Myles F. McNally, Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science and Mathematics
Joined Alma College Faculty in 1992
SAC 255
(989) 463-7163
Office Hours: MWF 9:00-10:30am
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Dr. McNally is the past chair of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department, where his teaching currently focuses on core computer science and artificial intelligence topics. He has also led May Term courses to both Jamaica and Ecuador. At Alma he supervises NSF funded research projects on using visualization to teach computer algorithms and on using robotics as a unifying theme in computer science education. Outside of computer science his primary interests are ornithology and ecology.
Education
- Ph.D., Temple University (1982)
- B.S., Drexel University (1974)
Research Interests
Data Structures, Visualization, Cognitive Science, and Artificial Intelligence
Recent Courses Taught
- Social and Ethical Issues in Computer Science. CSC 204.
- Software Engineering. CSC 230.
- The Web: Technologies and Techniques. CSC 114.
- Introduction To Cognitive Science. COG 120.
- Robotics: Past, Present, and Future. PTS 015.
Directed Student Presentations and Achievements
- Charles Bachner ('06) and Benjamin Tidman ('06). JHAVÉ: Engaged Learning through Algorithm Visualization
- Charles Bachner ('06), Rosemary Dutka ('06), and Benjamin Tidman ('06). Designing Effective Algorithm Visualizations.
Selected Articles
- Myles F. McNally. "Review of "Huang Y., Geng X., Whinston A., Defeating DDoS attacks by fixing the incentive chain (ACM Transactions on Internet Technology 7(1): 5-es, 2007)"." Computing Reviews. 49(5), 2008
- Myles F. McNally, Ph.D.. "Review of Leondes C. (ed), Intelligent knowledge-based systems: neural networks, fuzzy theory and genetic algorithm techniques (Kluwer Academic, Norwell, MA, 2003)." Computing Reviews. 2007 v. 48(3)
- Myles F. McNally 2007 (with David Furcy, Scott Grissom, Thomas Naps, and Christian Trefftz). "Supporting the Rapid Development of Pedagogically Effective Visualizations." The Journal of Computing Sciences in Colleges. 2007, v. 23(1), pp. 80-90 October 1, 2007.
- Myles F. McNally (with Frank Klassner and Chistopher Continanza). "Exploiting MindStorms NXT: Mapping and Localization Projects for the AI Course." Proceedings of the 20th International FLAIRS Conference. (2007)
- Myles F. McNally (with Frank Klassner). "Demonstrating the Capabilities of MindStorms NXT for the AI Curriculum." Proceedings of 2007 AAAI Spring Symposium (Robots and Robot Venues: Resources for AI Education Track. AAAI Technical Report SS-07-09 (2007) pp. 103-4
- Myles F. McNally. "Review of Robinson P., Vogt H. & Wagealla W., 'Privacy, security and trust within the context of pervasive computing'. (Springer-Verlag New York, Inc., Secaucus, NJ, 2004)." Computing Reviews. 47(6), 2006
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Recent Presentations
- Myles F. McNally (with Scott Grissom and Thomas Naps).  "Developing Algorithm Visualizations for Computer Science Instruction." 38th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. Covington, KY. March 7-10, 2007.
- Myles McNally (with Frank Klassner and Pamela Lawhead).  "Introducing LEGO MindStorms NXT and its Use in CS Education." 37th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. Covington, KY. March 7 - 10, 2007.
- Myles F. McNally (with Joseph Bergin, Barbara Owens, and Raymond Lister).  "The First Programming Course: Ideas to End the Enrollment Decline." 11th Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education. Bologna, Italy. June 26-28, 2006.
- Myles McNally (with Frank Klasssner).  "Using LEGO MIndStorms in CS 1 and CS 2." 37th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. Houston, TX. March 1-5, 2006.
- Myles McNally (with Scott Grissom and Thomas Naps).  "Integrating Algorithm Visualization into Computer Science Courses." 37th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. Houston, TX. March 1-5, 2006.
- Myles McNally (with Martin Carlisle, Steve Cooper, Kenneth Goldman, Paul Gross, Kris Powers, and Viera Proulx).  "Tools and Environments for Teaching Introductory Programming: What Works?." 37th SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education. Houston, TX. March 1-5, 2006.
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Selected External Research Grants
- Scott B. Grissom.  Myles F. McNally and Thomas Naps.  "Integrating Algorithm Visualization into Computer Science Education." National Science Foundation, NSF-CCLI (DUE-0126494). Effective: January 1, 2004.
- Frank I. Klassner.  Pamela B. Lawhead and Myles F. McNally.  "Education Innovation: LEGO MindStorms - Cost-Effectively Expanding CS Students' Horizons and Enthusiasm Outside the (Desktop) Box." National Science Foundation, CISE Educational (EIA-0306096). Effective: July 15, 2003.
Awards, Honors, Recognitions
- Computing Reviews Featured Reviewer, July 2005
Professional Memberships
- Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI)
- Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (CCSC)
- ACM Special Interest Group for Computer Science Education (SIGCSE)
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Service to the Profession
- President and National Webmaster, Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges
- Conference Committe, 2006 Conference on Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education, Bolonga, Italy
- Conference Committee, 2005 SIGCSE Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, St. Louis, MO

