LAKELAND, Fla. (July 30, 2007) —Florida Southern College seniors Alan George, Ian Johnson, and Laura Quintana Cruz presented their research “Explorations with Robotics Software,” at a session held on campus July 24. The project was supported by the office of Dr. Susan Conner, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, as part of the Florida Southern College Student/Faculty Collaborative Research and Creative Activities Program.

The students developed Java software modules to control small robots. They also designed educational modules that use robotics applications to help students understand object-oriented software development and a variety of mathematical concepts. The project results will be used to enhance the FSC computer science and mathematics curricula with possible applications in other areas of the undergraduate curriculum. The students worked under the direction of Drs. Gwen Walton and Kenneth Henderson of the mathematics/computer science department.

“The research that Alan, Ian, and Laura did this summer has been most valuable and helpful in looking toward the future of the undergraduate curriculum,” said Henderson.  “It has been amazing to watch three such talented and diverse students learn to work together and coordinate their efforts to meet the challenges of working with robots.”

George is majoring in computer science and mathematics with a minor in business. He is a member of the Mathematical Association of America and Kappa Mu Epsilon.  He is also a member of the Honors Program and has taken an honors course in robotic explorations.  He is the son of Donald and Diane George of Dover, N.H.

Johnson, also a computer science and mathematics major, serves as president of the Mathematical Association of America and is a member of Kappa Mu Epsilon. He is the son of Stephanie Diaz of Winter Haven, Fla. and Theodore Johnson of Fort Collins, Colo.

Quintana Cruz majors in computer science and minors in Spanish. Her extracurricular activities include Zeta Tau Alpha, Southern Ambassadors, secretary of the Student Government Association, and Toys for Tots captain in Land O' Lakes, Fla. She is the daughter of Alberto and Evelyn C. Quintana of Lutz, Fla.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1885, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive, United Methodist college with a liberal arts core. The college maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 46 undergraduate programs of study and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio, provides strong student/faculty mentorship programs, boasts 26 NCAA Division II national championships, and is ranked by U. S. News and World Report as one of the top ten Southern Comprehensive Colleges-Bachelor’s institutions and by the Princeton Review as a “Best Southeastern College.” Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is the home of the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.