ASU's College of Technology and Innovation unveils first Ph.D.
Mix a little psychology, engineering and computer science together and the result is a new Ph.D. degree that brings the expertise of faculty in three previously disparate fields together to create a program that explores how people interact with technological and social systems in the context of transportation, medicine, the military, computing and other complex settings.
The faculty of the College of Technology and Innovation at Arizona State University, with expertise in applied cognitive science, engineering, and computing, has developed the college’s first doctoral program — the Ph.D. in simulation, modeling and applied cognitive science, a degree offered nowhere else.
“Conventional programs focus on one of the three areas that our Ph.D. does, but we are the first to bring all three disciplines together in this unique configuration that so clearly embodies the transdisciplinary spirit, focus and approach of our college,” says Keith Hjelmstad, university vice president and dean of the College of Technology and Innovation.
The program will provide students with a strong background knowledge and the skills necessary to advance virtually all modern technological systems, explains Nancy Cooke, director of the program. “We have the expertise in the college, and we believe that developing a program that integrates engineering, computing and cognitive science is imperative for the future development of professionals who can bridge the gap between theory-driven experimental science and solutions to real-world problems.”
The program is designed for those who want to work across boundaries in teams to develop solutions that improve human interactions with machines or systems. “Simply put, humans matter in the advancement of technology,” says Hjelmstad. “One of the reasons this program is such a good fit for the college is that our interests span from creation of technological artifacts through engineering, to understanding how humans use machines, to actually training professionals (e.g., in aviation) using simulation devices.”
Our graduates will be valuable to a wide array of industry, academic, and government employers, continues Hjelmstad. “They will be the developers of safe technologies for vehicles of the future, educators of future generations of technology designers, and leaders in the development of our national defense systems.”
And there are many other opportunities in medicine, business, gaming, cyber security and team interaction to explore. Plus with the recent announcement of the establishment of an Aerospace and Defense Research Collaboratory, students will have opportunities to be involved in the research on machine-to-machine and human-to-machine interactions, simulations and modeling, and information management and assurance.
“As technologies continue to become more complex, employers have an ever-increasing demand for people who can make links between human interaction and technological design of products or processes. This degree provides a transdisciplinary research driven environment in which to gain those skills,” says Cooke.
Application deadline for full consideration for Fall 2011 enrollment for the Ph.D. degree is Jan. 31, 2011. For advising or to get more information about this program, contact Cooke at 480-988-2173.
Media Contact(s):
Christine Lambrakis, 480/727-1173, 602/316-5616, lambrakis@asu.edu