Dr. Charles Hoot
Assistant Professor
“My goal is to provide the context and fundamental ideas of the course material and use assignments to reinforce those basics.”
Degrees Held:
- Ph.D. in Computer Science – University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, August 1996
- M.A. in Astrophysical Sciences, Plasma Physics Division – Princeton University, January 1985
- B.A. in Physics with a minor in Engineering – University of California at San Diego, June 1982
Career Highlights:
My journey through computational science started as a teenager when I built a home brew microcomputer for my dad. While I was a physics major early on, my primary focus was on the computational aspects. I worked on a number of computationally intensive simulations and did modeling for the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI). Eventually, I received a Ph.D. in Computer Science, where my focus was on automated reasoning.
In which online program(s) do you teach?
M.S. in Business Analytics
Which classes do you teach online?
44-460 Applied Machine Learning
In what ways do you connect with online students?
Currently, I have been using a combination of Zoom, discord and email.
What do you want your students to take away from class?
My goal is to provide the context and fundamental ideas of the course material and use assignments to reinforce those basics. Students are encouraged to go beyond the basic assignments and explore extensions in more depth as their interests dictate.
Why did you start teaching?
I enjoy helping students explore and discover.
What advice would you give to your online students?
Organize a schedule of regular times that you devote to working on your course. Do whatever you can to avoid any friction that makes it difficult to stick to that schedule and eventually turn it into a habit.
What qualities make someone particularly successful in the field in which you teach?
In computer science related disciplines, the ability to leverage your existing knowledge and apply it in a similar setting.
What is the one book you think everyone should read?
“Göedel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid” by Douglas Hofstadter.
What do you do when you need a laugh?
Watch “Fawlty Towers.”
