IPFW Computer Science students Mark Geller, Matt Rottinger and Mark Mingle began working with ERC director Bruce Kingsbury on designing an online database interface for water quality data from the St. Joseph River and its tributaries. The collaboration is an expansion of the ERC’s project with the St. Joseph River Watershed Initiative, a local not for profit. SJRWI has been monitoring the quality of water from local streams for years. The intention of the project is to re-establish the online capabilities of the database so that is accessible to all who are curious about what’s in our water.

This project is an excellent example of the collaborative educational opportunities we are striving for with the ERC, utilizing strengths in multiple departments and serving the community at the same time. IPFW, the Biology Department and the Computer Science program all seek opportunities for meaningful community engagement.

All computer science majors are required to take a year-long capstone project course sequence during their senior year. The purpose of these courses is to give students a realistic experience of software development while applying, extending and integrating knowledge and skills acquired in computer science and supporting courses.