Faculty Experts Guide

Computer Science

Professor of computer science

Specialties:

Computer science, Computer science curriculum, Robotics, Service learning and community engagement, Community-based research

Bio:

Doug Harms' primary area of research is development of a software system for students to use with robots in introductory computer science classes. In Harms' introductory computer science class, each student receives a personal robot, and students are assigned to write programs to control the robots. Some of the robots have cameras, which enables students to do image analysis and other functions. Harms makes numerous presentations at and writes papers for various conferences nationally, describing use of personal robots in introductory computer classes. He also presents papers at computer science conferences in Europe, including Ireland and Lithuania in 2015. Faculty members at many other colleges, and even high schools, now use the personal robot software that Harms developed.

Harms is also very interested in and committed to promoting service learning and community engagement, involving faculty and students. He is a former Fulbright program adviser at DePauw, and he was recipient of a Fulbright Award to lecture in Bulgaria during 2004-05. He continues to visit Bulgaria every other year.