Daniel L. Schuster PhD

Biography

Courses Taught

• MATH 98: Beginning Algebra
• MATH 99: Intermediate Algebra
• MATH 140: College Algebra
• MATH 141: Precalculus
• CS 120: Professional Computer Skills
• CS 140: Game Programming for Beginners
• CS 160: Introduction to Web Design
• CS 190: Computer Science I
• CS 191: Computer Science II
• CS 280: Data Structures

Publications

• Creating Charts in Lotus 123, Profiles Magazine, 1986
• Introduction to Reflex Database, Profiles Magazine, 1988
• A Screen Control Toolbox, Profiles Magazine, 1987
• Free Java Book, online, 2011
• CS I, Arcade Games and the Free Java Book, ACM SIGCSE, 2010

My research interest is in using game programming to interest all levels of students in computer science and using it to teach camps and low level classes.

How did you discover Western?

I rode my Suzuki 750 through Gunnison in 1980 and loved the place. I always wanted to come back and I made it in 88.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

I’ve enjoyed creating new courses such as Computer Science 250 Web Development 1. I wrote the first successful proposal for a Computer Science major in 2001 and helped John Peterson do the rewrite in 2014. In the summer of 2018 I worked with Marc Rubin to create the radically improved, more comprehensive Computer Science majors that are in place now.

For the last few years I’ve been directing students in the development of a Python game programming library, based on Pygame but much easier to use. It’s been used successfully in high schools, and in Western classes and summer camps, and it’s about ready for general public release.

What most excites you about your field?

There’s simply no end to the innovation. As a teacher, that always gives me something new and challenging to learn and then to teach. That’s a wonderful experience.

What is your favorite thing about the Gunnison Valley?

Two things—the environment and the people.

The environment is simply unparalleled for the things I like to do. I’m a motorcyclist and there are literally thousands of miles of trails and jeep roads in the county that I’ve been able to explore on my dirt bikes. Some of the best curvy paved roads in the country are here and I get to ride them on my BMW.

The people of Gunnison are like so many others in the American West—live and let live. That very much matches my own philosophy. Gunnison is a place where people want to live. That’s a great thing.