Tammy James

Photo of Tammy James

Position Equipment Systems Specialist
Phone 805.756.5503
Fax 805.756.2270
Email tmjames@calpoly.edu
Office 34-235

Areas of Expertise

Computer Lab Design/Management/Maintenance

Computer Rebuilding/Upgrading/Troubleshooting

Data Recovery and Retrieval

Network and Software Design/Implementation/Maintenance

Systems Administration

Systems Design based on Human-Computer Interaction Principles

Artificial Intelligence/Computer Learning

 

Staff Biography

Tammy James found her love of computers and technology at age 16 when she began working as a computer lab monitor at her local community college. While studying computer engineering at Long Beach State University, she had the pleasure of using her skills in the aerospace industry, serving as a systems analyst/administrator for commercial and military aircraft programs.

Of course work life dictated school life and, as the job requirements changed, the majors and schools did as well. Dubbed the "college tour," Tammy studied at LBSU, UC Irvine, University of Washington, University of Phoenix, and Capella University. She has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and a Master of Science in Information Technology with a specialization in Systems Design and Development. She's used all of this education in some pretty amazing jobs and places. Highlights include working as an avionics engineer/scientist on the International Space Station project for The Boeing Company and working as a desalination plant project analyst for Southern California Edison on Santa Catalina Island.

Always in love with academia, Tammy returned to the college scene in 2005 by way of Cal Poly. She enjoys assisting nearly 800 ARCH and LA students and faculty with various computer issues, using her skills to keep 200+ computers alive long after their warranties have expired, bringing in new technology and assisting in the building of labs and studios, and hiring/mentoring students to work in the ARCH computer lab as...computer lab monitors. In a big way, life has come full circle for Tammy, and she couldn't be happier.

A true believer in lifelong learning, she is currently involved in research with colleagues from many universities as well as from the private sector. Her past projects have included the study of human-computer interaction, the study of artificial intelligence and the process of machine learning, the design of payload communication protocols for use in lab projects on the International Space Station, and the design and use of wireless technology in rural environments. This year, she earned a Certificate in Virtual Worlds from the University of Washington while studying virtual team building, simulation, and learning processes in 3-dimensional immerse environments. She will be the first to tell you that learning and experimenting with technology is not only rewarding and fulfilling - but fun.

Future plans include the continued study of, and participation in, virtual worlds to further her knowledge of artificial intelligence - and to bring the results of that study to the classroom environment. To Tammy, the idea of creating an immersive learning environment with intelligent and interactive technology is an exciting one. (Fact: two of her heroes are visionaries Walt Disney and Philip Rosedale.)

In her spare time Tammy enjoys playing in virtual worlds, completely automating her house, rooting for college sports teams, and being outside with friends -- in the sunlight -- whenever possible.

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