Computer Science

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Discover our IN-DEMAND and STACKABLE credentials and education programs that are eligible for more funding than ever before through the G3 Scholarship! Learn more about the G3 program.

The Associates of Science: Computer Science Specialization will transfer within several pathways, while preparing students to also enter the work force upon graduation. Graduates have successfully transferred to:

• Old Dominion University (ODU) – Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (online program)
• George Washington University (GWU) BAS in Cybersecurity (at Ashburn or Woodbridge Campus
• Old Dominion University (ODU) – Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies: Cybersecurity (online program)
• Virginia’s Community Colleges have Guaranteed Admissions Agreements with more than 30 public and private four-year institutions in the commonwealth. See the list of transfer agreements.

The computer science faculty and students are very active and are often recognized and making the news.

• TheBestSchools.org has ranked Laurel Ridge’s Computer Science program as 5th most affordable associates degree in the state of Virginia. Read more by clicking here.  AffordableCollege.com ranked the program as 23rd most affordable in the U.S. You can read more about the ranking by clicking here. Laurel Ridge’s program also is placed at 16th for the Best Online Associate Degree in Computer Science according to TheBestSchools.org.
• Dr. Stange was honored at JMU by the Shenandoah Valley Technology Council at their Tech Nite with the Innovations in Higher Education Award, which was sponsored by Cadence Inc. Other nominees were Shenandoah University’s eSports program and Blue Ridge Community College’s Go Virginia Cyber Security Program.
• The Global Solutions Computer Science Team, placed 2nd at the final summit held in Washington, D.C. You can watch the team in action on the Aspen Institute’s Summit webpage. See the Virtual Fair on IREX’s website, NVCC also Participated.
• Dr. Melissa Stange and Dr. Henry Coffman were honored with an Excellence in Education 3rd place award from the Virginia Community College System for their “Authentic Competency-Based Learning to Develop an Industry Ready Cyber Science Graduate”. They are pictured with Laurel Ridge President Blosser at the New Horizons Conference in Roanoke.
• Laurel Ridge’s Computer Science Specialization listed as #2 for 2018 at: https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-online-associate-in-computer-science-programs/.  In 2017, the program was listed 17th best in nation by Best Computer Science Schools. Read more at https://www.bestcomputerscienceschools.net/best-associates-in-computer-science-degrees/.
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• Dr. Melissa Stange leads the Computer Science program to being recognized as an Exemplary CTE Program in the state. To the right is photograph of Dr. Stange, Dean Byard, and Vice-President Kellison receiving the award. See the entire list of winners on the VDOE website here. Additional photos may be seen from the event here,  here, and here.

• Monthly Technology Talk Series with Industry, known as Tech Bytes. Read the press release by clicking here and go to the series site by clicking here. These presentations will be done in person at the Middletown Campus and distance to the Fauquier Campus. The public is welcome with registration.
• What the Hack is the Mainframe? Laurel Ridge computer science faculty partner with Major League Hacking (MLH) to host a workshop to introduce the IBM Z mainframe and to assist participants in completing Part 1 of the Master The Mainframe Competition. Read the Laurel Ridge press release here and the infromation on the River 95.3 here.
• Laurel Ridge was honored to have Assistant Secretary of State for Education and Cultural Affairs, Marie Royce (@ECAatState) visit Laurel Ridge and included them in their video about the Stevens Initiative.  In the Below video you will see some of Laurel Ridge’s team members and others from the U.S. and other countries talking about the develop projects that address challenges in their communities. Virtual exchanges create a #WorldClassConnection!
• Students and Faculty in the Computer Science program are encouraged to use their knowledge of computers to improve society by dedicating their time in their local communities.

• Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge – Virtual Exchange – BottleBot – Dr. Stange, Professor of Computer Science, facilitated a group of 19 Laurel Ridge students too part in an international virtual exchange with students at Khawarizmi College in Jordan. The challenge was supported by the Stevens initiative, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State See more in the news reports on WDVM, and The Winchester Star. The students will continue on in the next round of competition in March, in Washington D.C.
• Dr. Stange had the honor to talk about the technology programs at Laurel Ridge on The Valley Today – River 95.3 (WZRV) radio show. Listen to the 25 minute discussion.

• Jonathan Branson, a 2017 A.S. Computer Science graduate, decided to give college another shot after spending 10 years in the restaurant industry. Armed with his computer science degree from Laurel Ridge, he has been hired as an apprentice by IBM, as part of the company’s “New Collar” initiative. Learn more here
• Joseph Ebhardt, a computer science student, had his paper on The Threat of Artificial Superintelligence published in the Exigence. This is an online student journal supported by the  Virginia Community College System.
• Sam Snarr, a 2018 A.S. in Computer Science graduate, was selected as the Middletown Campus Outstanding Graduate of the year. Read his profile, to learn more about Sam.
• The CS2 Playground is sponsoring the World Cubing Associations Rally in the Valley. Learn more at https://www.worldcubeassociation.org/competitions/RallyInTheValley2018.
• Dr. Melissa Stange, participates in a NASA faculty residency workshop at the Wallop Flight Facility. Read more at http://www.nvdaily.com/news/local-news/2017/07/hold-for-photo-lord-fairfax-professor-attends-nasa-workshop/ and https://laurelridge.edu/2017/06/27/news/lfcc-professor-attends-stem-training-at-nasa-site/
• Laurel Ridge Faculty help spark student’s interest in coding and technology. Read the new article posted by The River 95.3 at http://theriver953.com/news/lord-fairfax-community-college-helps-spark-students-interest-coding-technology/
• Laurel Ridge Community College is now a member of the Academic Alliance (AA) of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). The NCWIT Academic Alliance brings together more than 1,500 distinguished representatives from academic computing programs at more than 450 colleges and universities across the country, spanning research universities, community colleges, women’s colleges, and minority-serving institutions. This membership lets Laurel Ridge students to join the Aspirations in Computing community and apply for the Student Seed Fund and Collegiate Award.
• Dr. Melissa Stange, Lead Computer Science Professor, is a Google Education Grant recipient. This grant will allow Dr. Stange to being Googles Cloud Platform, allows building and hosting applications and websites, store data, and analyze data on Google’s scalable infrastructure, into Laurel Ridge’s Computer Science courses.
• Laurel Ridge Community College, is now part of the CSforAll Consortium, which is a national network of computer science (CS) education providers, schools, and researchers working to support the mission of expanding access to CS education for all K-12 students. Learn more at: http://www.csforall.org/members/.
• Computer Science students paired up with the Cybersecurity and Information Systems Technology students to work a two-day event for 3,000 seventh graders from local public school systems to teach them about careers in technology. You can see pictures from the Worlds of Work (WoW) event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lfccedu/albums/72157675151930935.
• The Computer Science program is proud to participate in the Technology display at Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, VA. This display included a Computer Science I student, Eric Kline, who was able to sell his course project to BMX managers, which demonstrates how the program’s courses can fill real life needs.

Laurel Ridge employs faculty who have many years of teaching and professional experiences along with a variety of professional certifications.

Dr. Melissa Stange, Computer Science Program Lead, has over 35 years of experience as a technology professional working in government, healthcare, manufacturing, and non-profit environments. She has over 20 years higher education teaching experience.  Dr. Stange holds several degrees, professional certifications and publications. She continues to present at regional, national, and international professional conferences, while also serving as a technical peer reivewer to bring profession currency into the classroom. She believes that learning is a lifelong endeavor, through academic success and giving back to through volunteerism in the local community. Her classes are designed to challenge students through exploration and hands-on experiences. You can contact Dr. Stange at [email protected].

Adjunct Professor, Dr. Abdessamad (Sam) El Gbouri is a distinguished computer science educator and technology professional whose career bridges over 29 years of industry, military, and academic excellence. Holding a Doctorate in Information Assurance, a Master of Science in Cybersecurity, and a dual-major bachelor’s degree in Information Systems Management and Business Administration Management, Dr. El Gbouri combines advanced technical expertise with a passion for teaching and mentorship. Drawing from his extensive experience in the U.S. Navy and federal government, where he led multimillion-dollar projects, developed policy, and managed critical technology initiatives, Dr. El Gbouri brings real-world application to the classroom. He fosters an engaging learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking, self-motivation, and professional integrity.

Adjunct Professor, Laura Malavé holds a masters degree in computer science and her master these was on the generation of a database of manual silhouettes of gait sequences, an evaluation and comparison of their performance. She has teaches in a variety of technology areas at a several higher education institutions nationally. She holds several professional industry certifications and is a member of the IEEE organization. 

Adjunct Professor Ken Blackwell is a seasoned software executive, who is currently the CISO/CIO of TeamaLogic IT serving Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Professor Blackwell has proven effectiveness in a range of businesses from award-winning entrepreneurial startups to the worlds largest technology companies. He holds several U.S. patents, professional publications, and often presents at technology events. With academic degrees in computer science and engineering, his classes are challenging and engaging and packed with real-world examples.