Pitt’s School of Information Sciences Announces Faculty Additions

James B. D. Joshi joins SIS’ Department of Information Science and Telecommunications (DIST). He earned the Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in computer engineering from Purdue University and the B.S. degree in science and engineering from Motilal Nehru Regional Engineering College in India. While at Purdue, Joshi worked as a research assistant in the Distributed Multimedia Systems Lab, the Crystal Visualization Lab, and on a national water quality project. He also lectured on computer science and engineering at Kathmandu University (KU) in Nepal and, while at KU, developed Nepal’s first curriculum in computer science and engineering.

Amanda H. Spink, an associate professor in the School of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University, joins the Department of Library and Information Science at SIS. She earned the Ph.D. degree in information and library studies from Rutgers University, the M.S. degree in information systems marketing and management from Fordham University, a graduate degree in library science from the University of New South Wales (Sydney Australia), and the B.S. degree in history and political science from the Australian National University. Prior to joining Penn State, Spink served as assistant director of research in the Center for Quality and Productivity, Department of Business Computer Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of North Texas.

Joseph Kabara joins the regular faculty of DIST after serving in the department as a visiting assistant professor. He earned the Ph.D. degree in electrical and computer engineering from Vanderbilt University, the M.S. degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and the B.S. degree in electrical engineering from Marquette University. At SIS, he has taught courses in communications, networks, and simulation and programming. His research interests include networks and information systems, with specialization in system level models and wireless networks.

SIS educates information professionals for a wide range of specializations in the information field. The school emphasizes the integration of people, knowledge, and technology for decision-making, problem-solving, and learning. SIS offers six degrees and three certificate programs in the areas of telecommunications, information sciences, and library and information science. Its internationally renowned faculty is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service.