Each week we're featuring a Q&A with a member of our faculty in the School of Computing. Get to know some of our professors! This week we're featuring Associate Professor of Practice Chris Bourke.
What are your research areas or areas of specialty/interest?
As a Ph.D. student, I focused on computational complexity theory and machine learning. As a teaching faculty member, I have not been research active, however, in recent years I have engaged in computing education research. I’ve written papers focusing on automated grading, placement exams and most recently introducing Parallel and Distributed Computing into early computing curriculum.
What courses are you teaching this year?
This year as in most I teach the core CS1-CS2 sequence. In the spring, I work with Steve Kolbe in the Carson Center for Emerging Media arts to offer a “sandbox” course on Virtual Reality. Interdisciplinary teams of computing majors and new media arts students collaborate to build VR games, experiences, and educational applications.
How did you first become interested in computing or your specific area of computing?
I was always interested in computing even as a grade schooler. I remember in second grade using a programming language called Logo to make drawings. From there I learned BASIC, copying code from books and magazines to make simple games.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of computing? What do you enjoy most about those?
I’m a huge baseball and Chicago Cubs fan; life during the offseason is barely tolerable. Fortunately, I also like football and hockey. I’m also always reading; mostly science fiction and classics. I’m currently working my way through every Hugo award nominee and winner. Finally, as most SoC folks know, I run a bit. Last year I met my goal of running 4,000 km. You can join Dr. Bonita Sharif and I the first Monday morning of each month as we #RunWithSoC for a 5k.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled?
I’ve been to Japan on long term visits twice, so it is probably my favorite place that I’ve travelled. Buy yourself a used bike and just wander.
What is your favorite food?
I guess my favorite food doesn’t matter as long as there is enough hot sauce.