Kian L. Pokorny, Ph.D.
Division of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems
McKendree University
I have a passion for Computer Science, solving problems and teaching. The melding of my passions in computer science and teaching has led me to a number of research and scholarly activities. The result of which is demonstrated through presentations and grants that are listed below. My background is rooted in a balance of theory and application in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Most of my research is centered around stochastic and probabilistic issues using a minimal amount of input data to make decisions. To help support this endeavor, I have significant education in mathematics and statistics culminating in a MS in Mathematics. My Ph.D. research revolves around this theme as well, with application to engineering problems. My current work continues with application to educational models. My Erdös number is 3.
In the McKendree University community I am active. As you can see below, I serve on numerous committee and have accepted a number of appointments at McKendree University. Currently, I chair the Division of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems at McKendree as I did for three years at Park University.
Education:
Ph.D. Louisiana Tech University, May 2002
Master of Science Central Missouri State University, May 1996
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Mathematics
Central Missouri State University, May 1994
Graduated Summa cum Laude
Employment:
McKendree University, Lebanon, IL
Division of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems
Assistant Professor (2002 – 2006)
Associate Professor - Tenured (2006 - present)
Chair, Division of Computer Science and Computer Information Systems (2006 – present)
McKendree College, Lebanon, IL
Director of First-Year Mentoring (2004 – 2006)
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA
Design Engineering and Manufacturing Systems Laboratory
Research Assistant ( 2000 – 2002)
Park University, Parkville, MO
Assistant Professor ( 1997 – 2000)
Chair, Department of Computer Science and Computer Based Information Systems (1997 – 2000)
Fair Isaac & Co., Inc., San Rafael, CA
Analytic Products, International Team
Project Analyst (1996 – 1997)
Publications:
Pokorny, K. (2005), “Constructing a Beowulf Cluster as a Pedagogical Tool,” The Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges. Vol. 20, No. 4, p. 104 – 105.
Pokorny, K.; Sule, D. (2005), “Uncertainty Estimates in the Fuzzy-Product-Limit Estimator,” International Journal of Uncertainty, Fuzziness and Knowledge-based Systems. Vol. 13, No. 1, p. 11 – 26.
Pokorny, K.; Sule, D. (2004), “Empirical Fuzzy Estimate of the Survival Curve,” International Journal of Uncertainty, Fuzziness and Knowledge-Based Systems, Vol. 12, No. 3, p. 347 – 356.
Pokorny, K. (2003), “Point Estimation and Confidence Bounds with Few Censored Data Points,” The Journal of the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science Vol. 14, No. 2, p 153-168.
Pokorny, K. (2002), “Fuzzy Product-Limit Estimators: Soft Computing in the Presence of Very Small and Highly Censored Data Sets,” Ph.D. Dissertation, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA.
Pokorny, K.; Tao, J.(2001), “The Jackknife, the Bootstrap and Standard Errors of the Median,” The Journal of the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science Vol. 14, No. 1, p 1-10.
Pokorny, K. (1996), “The Jackknife, the Bootstrap and Standard Errors of the Median,” Master’s Thesis, Central Missouri State University, Warrensburg, MO.
Presentations:
Hankins, D.; Pokorny, K.; (March 2007), “The Intellectual Model and Assessment,” General Education/Teaching for Excellence/Writing Center Workshop, Lebanon IL.
Hankins, D.; Pokorny, K.; (January 2007), “The Intellectual Model, Assessment and Syllabus Format,” Associate Faculty Workshop, Lebanon IL.
Finch,P.; Kirts, J; Lang, S.; Pokorny, K.; Riess, D.; Tonsing-Meyer, J. (September 2006), “Summer Research: Candidate to Candidate Mentoring Program,” ACI’s Arts and Sciences Colloquium, Chicago, IL.
Pokorny, K.; Riess, D.; Tonsing-Meyer, J. (September 2005), “Panel Discussion: Web-Based Tutoring Systems,” ACI Colloquium, Chicago, IL.
Hankins, D.; Pokorny, K.; Graham, J.; Alewine, A.; Bostian, B.; Eggleston, T. (August 2005), “McKendree College Assessment,” Associate Faculty Workshop, Lebanon IL.
Pokorny, K. (April 2005), “Constructing a Beowulf Cluster as a Pedagogical Tool,” Eleventh Annual Conference of the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges, Topeka, KS.
Pokorny, K.; Sule, D. (October 2002), “Fuzzy Product-Limit Estimators: Soft Computing in the Presence of Very Small and Highly Censored Data Sets,”
Annual review conference for DEPSCoR project, Department of Navy-Office of Naval Research, Washington D.C.
Pokorny, K. (August 2000), “Fuzzy Logic,” Design Engineering and Manufacturing Systems Laboratory, and Naval Sea Systems Command, Ruston, LA.
Pokorny, K. (July 2000), “Point Estimation and Confidence Intervals with Small Data Sets,” Avondale Shipyard and Naval Sea Systems Command, New Orleans, LA.
Pokorny, K. (August 1998), “The Matrix Project: Uses and Misuses,” Park University, Fall Faculty Conference, Parkville, MO.
Pokorny, K. (August 1997), “The Matrix Project: An Advising Tool,” Park University, Fall Faculty Conference, Parkville, MO.
Pokorny, K. (October 1996), “Sampling Snapshots Vs Continuous Samples,” Fair Isaac Discussion Series, San Rafael, CA.
Scholarly Activities:
Developed Regional, Sectional and Final exams for the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) program with Dr. Jim Feher. Summer 2006.
Worked with the TQE Campus Initiative Research Team for the ACI Center for Success in High Needs Schools – Conducted a Study of Candidate Mentoring Program. Summer 2006
Wrote a research proposal to the Associated Colleges of Illinois, for Intelligent Tutoring System Design with Dr. Riess. Proposal accepted. Summer 2005.
Wrote a research proposal to the National Science Foundation, for multidisciplinary undergraduate research in the area of Artificial Intelligence and learning with other faculty. Summer 2005.
Worked with the TQE Campus Initiative Research Team for the ACI Center for Success in High Needs Schools – Conducted a Study of Web-Based Tutoring Systems. Summer 2005
Reviewed articles for the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges – Midwest Region’s Conference and Journal. Spring 2005 – Present.
McKendree College Faculty Development in a Blackboard Technology and Pedagogy training course. Summer 2004.
Honors, Funding, and Membership:
Awarded ACI-TQE Grant, Candidate Mentoring Program. 2005
Awarded ACI Grant, Intelligent Tutoring Systems Design: An Empirical Approach. 2005-2006
Awarded ACI-TQE Grant, Web-Based Tutoring Systems. 2005
Awarded Private Donor Grant, Park University-Division of Natural Science Computer Lab. 1999
Awarded Park University Grant, The Matrix Project. 1997-2000
Computer Science Teachers Association, 2005
Sigma Zeta, National Science and Mathematics Honors Society, 2005
Association of Computing Machinery, 1998
College Service:
McKendree University Transition Committee, 2007
Faculty Affairs Committee, 2006 – 2007
Academic Affairs Committee (AAC), 2006 - Present
Search Committee, Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid, 2006
Faculty Advisory to Search, Director of Institutional Research and Planning, 2006
Search Committee, Assistant Professor of Economics, 2005-2006
Pandemic Flu Preparedness Committee, 2005 - Present
Chair, AAC Subcommittee on First Year Advising, 2004 – 2006
AAC Subcommittee on Academic Standards, 2004 – 2006
First-Year Mentoring Coordinator, 2004 – 2006
First-Year Advisor, 2004 – 2007
Academic Standing Committee, 2004 – 2006
Student Affairs Committee, 2004 – 2006
SAC Subcommittee on Student Conduct, 2004 – 2006
SAC Subcommittee on Financial Aid, 2004 – 2005
Faculty Advisory to Search, Assistant Dean and Registrar, 2004
TEEP Task Force, 2004
AAC Subcommittee on General Education, 2003 – present
Phi Kappa Phi – Charter Member and Public Relations Officer, 2003 – Present
Institutional Review Board, 2003 – 2004
Assessment Committee, 2002 – 2006