For most college students, contributing to a peer-reviewed journal is a long-term goal. For ����vlog���� junior Caleb Gutierrez, it’s already a reality.

Gutierrez, a finance major from Chihuahua, Mexico, is a co-author on a research article published in Environment, Innovation and Management (EIM)—a top-tier, peer-reviewed international journal focused on environmental challenges and technological innovation. The article, titled “Nexus between Economy, Energy, Agriculture, and Environment: Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh,” appears in the journal’s latest edition and is also featured on World Scientific Connect, a global platform for cutting-edge research.

The publication marks a significant academic milestone for Gutierrez, whose work explores the complex relationship between economic growth and environmental sustainability. The article can be accessed at: 

Gutierrez, who is pursuing a minor in information science, worked on the project under the guidance and supervision of his professor, Dr. Filiz Guneysu Atasoy, assistant professor of information science at Ozarks. Along with several other of Atasoy’s former students, the research team conducted an in-depth, year-long empirical analysis of economic and energy trends in Bangladesh.

“I contributed significantly to the data collection process, the empirical analysis, and the writing of the manuscript,” Gutierrez said. “Thanks to my information science minor and guidance from Dr. Atasoy, I was able to apply my data analysis skills and programming knowledge to real-world applications. This research looked at the conflict between economic growth and environmental health in Bangladesh from 1990 to 2023. I found that while the country’s rapid economic and agricultural growth has led to higher CO₂ emissions, renewable energy is the most powerful tool we have to reverse that trend in the long run. To truly reach a low-carbon future, we need an integrated approach that combines green energy with smarter resource management.”

Atasoy said Gutierrez’s contributions stood out throughout the research process.

“I am truly proud of my student for this achievement,” she said. “Throughout this process, I had the opportunity to guide and support the research, while Caleb demonstrated strong analytical skills, particularly in data analytics and programming. This work resulted in a publication in a top-tier, peer-reviewed journal, and I look forward to seeing his continued growth and future contributions to research. This collaboration has been both intellectually rewarding and enriching from an international perspective.”

For Gutierrez, the publication represents both a personal accomplishment and a launching point for future opportunities.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have been published in such a prestigious and well-recognized journal,” he said. “Seeing all the hard work finally pay off is such a rewarding experience.”

“I’m really hoping this publication will open up some exciting new doors for me,” he added. “Not only will it create valuable opportunities, but it will also provide a strong foundation for applying to graduate school in the future. Of course, none of this would have been possible without my advisor, Dr. Atasoy. She has been a fundamental part of this entire journey, and I am so thankful for her guidance.”

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A group of ����vlog���� computer science students took part this past weekend in HogHacks, a 24-hour collegiate hackathon held at the University of Arkansas.

Hosted by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) at the U of A, the event is an overnight software engineering competition among area college students that takes place every semester. This year’s theme focused on music, challenging students to develop creative, technology-driven solutions within a limited timeframe.

Ozarks students formed two teams to compete to develop a working prototype to present in front of a panel of judges.

Team 1, made up of Sergio Traitel, Skylar Holloway and Faith Moppets, completed a project titled,“Mozart: Choose Your State of Mind.”

“This project recommends music based on how users want to feel,” said Dr. Chol Hyun Park, assistant professor of computer science at Ozarks. “For example, it can suggest calming music before an exam or energizing, but not overwhelming, music before a sports event, helping users intentionally regulate their emotional state. A particularly strong aspect of this project was that the team supported their approach with academic research, citing studies showing that music can influence emotional states within minutes. They incorporated these findings into their presentation to justify and strengthen their design.”

Team 2, made up of Dylan Mawedze, Raymond Rolle, Dremecio Culmer and Vaughnique Francis, worked on a project titled, “E����ǹ�����.”

“This project aims to make music more accessible for visually impaired individuals,” Park said. “The team visualized music based on rhythm and explored the idea of translating beats into physical vibrations through wearable devices such as bracelets or necklaces, allowing users to experience music through touch.”

Park said that even though neither Ozarks team finished in the top three, “their performance was especially impressive.”

“All participating students have been studying computer science for less than a year at Ozarks, yet they successfully completed the entire process, including ideation, development, and presentation within just 24 hours,” Park said. “Both teams delivered final presentations and represented our university with professionalism and creativity.”

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For ����vlog���� senior Misael Ocas, a semester abroad has turned into a career-shaping milestone. The computer science student from Santiago, Chile, has co-authored a research paper with his professor, Dr. Chol Hyun Park, and the pair will present their work at a premier international technology conference in the coming weeks.

Ocas (pictured, right) and Park will present their paper, “Intelligent Blockchain and Networks for Sustainable Life,” at the third annual International Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Data Analytics 2025 (ICOABCD 2025). The conference is being held in Indonesia and Ocas and Park will present their paper virtually. 

Ocas is a senior exchange student from Duoc UC San Carlos De Apoquindo, a private university in his hometown of Santiago, Chile. He will return to Chile after this semester to complete his degree.

Park, assistant professor of computer science, said working with Ocas on the research paper has been “impressive.”

“He consistently shows strong preparation, professionalism, and commitment to learning,” said Park. “His contribution to this project reflects his ability to handle advanced computer science topics. I believe this achievement will significantly strengthen his resume and provide a meaningful advantage as he pursues future job opportunities or graduate school.”

Ocas called his collaboration with Park an exceptional experience.

“His guidance, clarity, and mentorship have been fundamental to the development of my research,” Ocas said. “He is always willing to challenge me, encourage deeper exploration, and provide constructive feedback that elevates the quality of my work. Collaborating with him has been both intellectually inspiring and personally rewarding.”

Ocas said the research eperience has strengthened his technical, analytical, and academic skills. 

“It has helped me improve my scientific writing, deepen my understanding of blockchain and post-quantum cryptography, and gain confidence in conducting independent research,” Ocas said. “It has also opened doors to academic opportunities I never expected, including contributing to an international conference.”

Calling it the “milestone of my academic journey,” Ocas said presenting at the conference is both exciting and humbling.

“Presenting at an international conference is something I once saw as unreachable,” he said. “I feel motivated to continue advancing in research and grateful for the trust and support that made this opportunity possible.”

����vlog���� added computer science as a new major beginning the Fall 2025 Semester.

“I believe the new computer science major is a strong step forward for the University and shows a clear commitment to expanding opportunities in technology,” Ocas said. “Since the program is still in its early stages, there are areas that can continue to be developed and refined. However, the foundation is promising, and I’m confident that, as it grows, it will offer students an increasingly solid and competitive academic path.”

Ocas said after graduation he plans to pursue opportunities in the fields of software engineering or data engineering. He also plans to continue building research experience and eventually pursue graduate studies.

“My long-term goal is to build a solid career in software engineering or data engineering, gaining experience by working on impactful and innovative projects,” he said. “At the same time, I aspire to develop my own SaaS product and grow it into a sustainable independent business. I’m passionate about creating solutions that solve real problems, and I hope to combine industry experience with entrepreneurship as I continue advancing in my professional journey.”

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Dr. Chol Hyun Park, who recently earned his Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), has been selected to join the faculty at ����vlog���� as an assistant professor of computer science, beginning the Fall 2025 Semester.

The University recently added a computer science major that will kick off in the fall semester.

Park completed his Ph.D. in computer science this month from UNLV. His dissertation is titled, “Anonymous Cyber Threat Intelligence Sharing on Blockchain.”

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to join a faith-driven and student-centered community like ����vlog����,” Park said. “As someone who values both education and Christian fellowship, I’m excited to walk alongside students as they grow academically, spiritually, and personally.”

A native of Seoul, South Korea, Park grew up in both South Korea and China before moving to the United States, where he attended high school and college. He has also lived in Utah and California.

Park attended Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California for his undergraduate degree.

“Westmont College is a small, liberal arts institution like Ozarks,” Park said. “I cherished the close-knit campus environment, personal mentorship from faculty, and meaningful engagement with diverse peers — qualities I deeply value and am eager to cultivate at Ozarks.”

Park’s academic specialties include cybersecurity, blockchain and data analytics.  He served as a graduate research assistant at UNLV from 2021-2025 and as a teaching assistant from 2019-2024. He has also worked in the private sector as a software developer and web developer.

“I strongly resonate with Ozarks’ commitment to academic excellence, diversity and personalized education,” Park said. “I am particulary inspired by its emphasis on blending professional preparation with liberal arts education to foster holistic student growth.”

Outside academia, Park enjoys staying active through tennis, pickleball, golf, and hiking. On rainy days, he enjoys spending time at home playing video games or guitar.

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Three ����vlog���� students presented their academic research at the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges (CCSC) Midsouth Regional Conference, held on the Ozarks campus April 11-12.

Prudence Majoni’s paper was submitted and selected to be presented at the conference. The title of her paper was, “Enhancing Mathematics Education through 3D Printed Visualizations for Math Education.” Her advisors were Kristi Spittler Brown, assistant professor of mathematics, and Stephen Adams.

Carol Yesivel Samaniego and Nataly Paulina Calderon were selected to give a poster presentation titled, “A Review of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Framework through Sustainable Economy.”  Dr. Filiz Guneysu Atasoy, assistant professor of information science, was the students’ advisor. She also served as the co-chair for the conference.

“I’m happy to share that it was a great success,” Guneysu Atasoy said. “Several of our students attended and showed genuine curiosity about computing sciences. The conference brought together numerous professors from various regions across the U.S. I also had a great conversation with Dr. Michael Flinn, Department Chair of Computer Science & Information Technologies at Frostburg State University. We discussed our new computer science program and shared ideas for future collaboration.”

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����vlog���� has received a $1.2 million grant from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation to help establish the University’s new computer science major.

The start-up funds for the new program will help expand the University’s current information science program to include computer science.  The funds will cover salary, electrical upgrades, classroom renovations, and scholarships for three years. 

“For Ozarks graduates to continue to be competitive they need the broadest range of possible degree paths,” said U of O President Richard Dunsworth. “The University first created computer science opportunities in the late 1980s, and this new investment allows us to take the program to a new level, ensuring that our graduates are prepared for the ever-growing and evolving workforce in computer science, artificial intelligence, or data science.  We are thankful the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation’s continued investment in Ozarks and the River Valley.” 

The new major was approved by the Board of Trustees during its meeting in October and will be implemented beginning the 2025 Fall Semester.

Dr. Janie Diels, vice president for academic affairs, said adding computer science is the next step in meeting the high demand of students who are interested in emerging fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity.

“This major, in the context of the LENS curriculum, will integrate liberal arts principles such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness to develop innovative and socially responsible IT solutions for complex, real-world challenges,” she said. “Computer Science majors will be well-prepared to pursue further study in graduate school, or in a variety of career pathways.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations in2023 was $104,420 — more than double the median annual wage for all occupations. According to code.org, 67 percent of all new STEM jobs through 2028 will be in computing.

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����vlog���� will add a computer science major to its academic curriculum beginning the Fall 2025 Semester.

The new major was approved by the Board of Trustees during its meeting in October.

The University has had an information science minor for the past several years. Dr. Janie Diels, vice president for academic affairs, said adding computer science is the next step in meeting the high demand of students who are interested in emerging fields such as data science, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“This major, in the context of the LENS curriculum, will integrate liberal arts principles such as critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness to develop innovative and socially responsible IT solutions for complex, real-world challenges,” she said. “Computer Science majors will be well-prepared to pursue further study in graduate school, or in a variety of career pathways.”

Dr. Filiz Guneysu Atasoy, assistant professor of information science at Ozarks, said the new major will provide students with a “rigorous foundation in programming, data structures, and algorithms, fostering critical analytical and problem-solving skills essential for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.”

“I’m super excited for our new computer science major,” Atasoy said. “By integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on application, the program prepares students to tackle complex challenges across key domains such as software engineering, artificial intelligence and data science. Our graduates will be well-prepared to navigate and advance in diverse sectors, from emerging startups to established enterprises, with the versatility to respond to shifts in technology and innovation.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations in2023 was $104,420 — more than double the median annual wage for all occupations. According to code.org, 67 percent of all new STEM jobs through 2028 will be in computing.

Diels said a search for a tenure-track faculty member specializing in computer science has been launched. That job description can be found HERE.

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Dr. Filiz Guneysu Atasoy will join the ����vlog���� faculty as an assistant professor of information science, beginning the Fall 2023 Semester.

Atasoy’s husband is Dr. Murat Atasoy, assistant professor of environmental science at Ozarks. She most recently served as a post-doctoral researcher at Auburn University.

“I am delighted to express my utmost excitement joining the esteemed academic community at ����vlog����,” Atasoy said. “Throughout my academic and professional career, I have always been inspired by the transformative power of education. My primary focus will be on creating a stimulating and inclusive learning environment that fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a thirst for knowledge among with diverse students at the ����vlog����. I am thrilled to collaborate with the dedicated ����vlog���� family and together we will explore new frontiers of research and innovative teaching methods that empower our students to excel academically and personally.”

Atasoy will lead the University’s new information science program, which was recently added to the curriculum as a minor.

“The advantages of an information science program are substantial, benefiting both our students and the University alike,” she said. “For students, enrolling in information science program equips students with high-demand skills that open doors to a wide array of career opportunities. They gain expertise in data management, data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization using different popular programming such as R, SAS, Python, Stata, etc., positioning them as sought-after professionals in various industries.  The program fosters hands-on experience through real-world projects and internships, ensuring students are well-prepared for the challenges of the job market. Additionally, the interdisciplinary nature of the information science program enhances their problem-solving abilities and cultivates critical thinking skills. It can lead to increased enrollment, attracting a diverse pool of aspiring students seeking to capitalize on the booming data-driven job market”

Atasoy said the new program also “presents opportunities for research collaborations and industry partnerships, fostering a strong academic reputation and expanding the University’s network of connections.”

Her academic areas of interests include, data analytics, applied analysis, business analytics, quantitative methods, energy economics, environmental economics and climate change.

A native of the Mediterranean coastal city of the Anamur, Turkey, Atasoy earned her undergraduate degree from Karadeniz Technical University in Turkey before earning a master’s degree in economics from the university. She earned her Ph.D. in applied economics from Auburn University, while also earning a minor in statistics. She is currently pursuing another master’s degree in data analytics from Georgia Tech.

She has served as both an assistant professor and associate professor of economics at Osmaniye Korkut Ata University in Turkey and as a research assistant in the Department of Agriculture and Rural Sociology at Auburn University.

She and her husband have a son, Eymen. Outside of work, she enjoys swimming, travelling and jogging in nature.

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