Steve Parker

I had an interest in computers early on. It started with a basic computer class in 9th grade working on Apple II computers. Ironically, I lost interest in computers when I started college and switched majors to Mechanical Engineering. This led me to a position designing tools utilizing CAD software. I realized I wanted to go farther and worked toward a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at NC State University. With all of the "computer" work between CAD and the master’s coursework, I found myself drawn back into computer science. In 1994 I transferred from an engineering department to the to group responsible for developing automation and supporting the CAD system. After several years in this environment, I wanted to further my education in computer science and found a distance learning graduate program at my alma mater.