Mark Leblanc
Posted on February 3, 2012
What was computer science like when you first came to Wheaton?
In 1993 I was the first (and only) computer scientist. Wheaton had a joint Math-CompSci major at that time. We soon developed a computer science minor and then once Mike Gousie was hired, we designed a computer science major, following the national guidelines for such programs on liberal arts campuses.
What has been the most interesting class you've taught?
No fair, i love too many of them. I'd say it is a toss up between AI and DNA. I love helping students learn to set up and implement computational experiments.
What is your favorite programming language and why?
C ... because it reminds me of a mentor named John Moore who could write 10 lines of C in one line of which I could not read. That inspires me to always write good code, even if the language allows you to do otherwise.
