WVU Parkersburg involved in UN project

NEWS

West Virginia University at Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104
Phone: 304-424-8203 | Fax: 304-424-8315

WVU Parkersburg Computer Science faculty member assisting United Nations in demining project.

CONTACT: Doug Weaver, assistant professor of computer science, 304-424-8330.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A computer science professor at West Virginia University at Parkersburg is involved in an international humanitarian project which is providing his students with a real-world experience a continent away.

Currently, Doug Weaver, assistant professor of computer science, is in Chad, Africa, on a two-week project for the United Nations. He is setting up a computer network for the UN's demining operation there. A tech sergeant in the Air Force Reserves, Weaver is involving his CISCO networking class at WVU Parkersburg in the UN project.

"My students are really excited about this project," Weaver noted. "It is a real world operation and not a fictitious case study we often do to create a networking situation.

"This is a UN humanitarian effort and the students are having a small part in saving people's limbs and lives, " he added. "A side benefit is that this will be an invaluable experience to add to their resumes once they graduate and apply for a job."

In the class, Weaver said he has one student working as a team project lead with the other students fulfilling specific tasks in site/needs analysis, documentation, network infrastructure design, design and implementation, climate management and equipment acquisition.

"During this first trip, I'll be involved in a thorough site/needs assessment as well as computer/network training for Chad personnel," Weaver said.

The UN's demining project consists of assessing the socio-economic impact of minefields on communities and individuals to determine where actions are needed most; mapping, marking and clearing minefields, and providing medical, rehabilitation and vocational services to mine victims.

Weaver will return to Chad in June for the installation of the demining project's computer network.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Communications/Public Relations
(304-424-8203)