Kevin Decker

Student
Computer and Information Science

If carrying a full course load, working part time for Apple Computer and serving as president of the School of Science’s Student Council weren’t enough to challenge an ambitious undergraduate, ask Kevin Decker what he does in his spare time.

“I spent a couple of weeks taking bits and pieces from here and there and putting them together into something practical,” says Decker, speaking of his creative research project developing interactive computer technology.

The computer science major’s prototype allows users to control desktop functions using hand signals and gestures recorded via web cam. For his efforts, Decker received the Bowling Jones Russo Award, honoring IUPUI’s top continuing student engaged in research. He was also asked to present the project at a national undergraduate research symposium at the prestigious Argonne National Laboratory in Argonne, Ill.

“As amazing as it is to use new technology,” Decker says, “it’s off-the-scale rewarding to create it. I like being a part of that process.”

Taking part in the process is perhaps one of the things Decker does best. Since enrolling at IUPUI three years ago, he’s been active in both Student Council and the School of Science’s Computer Science Club. Even with classes and an exciting job, the decision to become involved in extracurricular activities was an easy one for Decker.

“I saw all of these really smart people together in one place and thought, ‘this is the group to be around.’ These people are top notch and really care about what they do.”

One of the council’s initiatives of which Decker is most proud is the School of Science’s new student lounge. Working with an architectural firm, Decker and the council have drawn up plans and specifications for a study lounge on the first floor of the Science building. The group has raised some of the funds to construct the new space, which Decker describes as representing science’s “culture of innovation” — complete with modern furnishings and lighting.

“When you take a group of committed people, give them a mission and say, ‘here, take this and run with it,’ amazing things happen.”