Daniel Rochowiak named Director of UAH's Quality Enhancement Plan and Collaborative Learning Center

Dan Rochowiak has been named Director of the UAH Quality Enhancement Plan and Collaborative Learning Center. He began his duties on Jan. 6.

Michael Mercier | UAH

Daniel "Dan" Rochowiak has been named Director of The University of Alabama in Huntsville's (UAH) Quality Enhancement Plan and Collaborative Learning Center. His duties began on Jan. 6.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dan Rochowiak as Director of the Quality Enhancement Plan and Collaborative Learning Center (QEP and CLC) at UAH. Dr. Rochowiak is currently an Associate Professor in Computer Science and Philosophy. He served previously as Associate Dean of the College of Science. Dr. Rochowiak brings excellent experience to this position. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Rochowiak to his new position," said Dr. Christine W. Curtis, UAH Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

"I am excited to participate in the founding of a center that will have an impact on the education of all UAH students," said Dr. Dan Rochowiak, Director of UAH's QEP and CLC.

As Director of QEP and CLC Rochowiak's main tasks will be to implement the Collaborative Learning QEP required for SACSCOC reaffirmation and to institutionalize the use of collaborative learning within the university to improve student learning outcomes and the environment of student learning.

Within the university, Rochowiak has filled multiple administrative and service roles that have led to the expansion of his understanding of and appreciation for the complexities of collaborative learning. Working with personnel representing multiple disciplines and professions, he helped to build the first University Internet presence and establish the University's Internet2 presence. During his time as Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Rochowiak developed a student research group with members drawn from mechanical engineering, computer science, technical writing, electrical engineering, physics, information systems, philosophy, mathematics, and communications.

Rochowiak's research agenda blends theory and practice and focuses on explanation, collaboration, and communication. His research efforts have been funded by the National Science Foundation, Marshall Space Flight Center, the U.S. Army Missile Command, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, and the Tennessee Valley Authority in areas ranging from intelligent control of AGVs to process planning for composite materials and high performance networks. His current research interests concern computer supported critiquing, collaboration, argumentation, and knowledge presentation. His teaching interests focus on artificial intelligence, software development, the epistemology of science and technology, and professional ethics.

Rochowiak received his B.S. in Chemistry from St. Bonaventure University (St. Bonaventure, NY), and his Ph.D. in Logic and Philosophy of Science from the University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN).