Media Advisory

TO                         Features Editors and PSA Directors

FROM                     UAF Department of Mathematical Sciences

SUBJECT                Computer Scientists Seek Projects

DEADLINE              January 15, 1998

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Mathematical Sciences is seeking proposals for its computer software development class. Proposals may be submitted by local government, service and private organizations. Students will decide which proposals to accept for the senior project and professional practice course. Requests must be received by 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15 via e-mail to ffpjk@uaf.edu or by regular mail to the UAF Department of Mathematical Sciences, Fairbanks, Alaska, 99775-1110.

Last spring four projects were chosen from 16 submitted. Computer scientists have helped design a number of different software applications over the ten years the program has been offered, including a plan for the Bureau of Land Management that keeps track of reservations for public use cabins in the White Mountains National Recreation Area.

Student computer scientists have developed more than 30 custom software packages, including programs to keep track of police and fire crew rotations. Other "clients" who have benefited from the student software development class include the North Pole Police Department, the Alaska Court System, the Fairbanks North Star Borough and Fairbanks Taxi Inc. Typical prices for commercial, custom software development projects can run as high as $40,000.

CONTACT: Peter Knoke, UAF Department of Mathematical Sciences, (907) 474-5107.

DPD/12-22-97/98-029ma