John Hastings
John Hastings
Remote Professor
Department
The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences
Education
Ph.D. Computer Science, University of Wyoming
M.S., University of Wyoming
B.S., University of Wyoming
Biography
Dr. John Hastings is a remote Professor in The Beacom College of Computer & Cyber Sciences. He has over 35 years of teaching and curriculum development experience in computer science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity related courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Dr. Hastings also has several years of industry experience as an artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) software engineer, team leader, and as a business owner providing AI/ML consulting services.
Contact
Office Location: Remote
Phone: (605) 256-5838
Email
He has developed and taught a variety of highly effective, engaging and hands-on core computer science courses including: programming languages, data structures & analysis of algorithms, software engineering, automata and formal languages, enterprise application development, discrete structures, computer graphics, mobile app development, artificial intelligence, & operating systems.
Dr. Hastings’ teaching goals include connecting with students through an active learning approach, challenging students to reach their full potential, relating his experiences to students, and helping them succeed beyond graduation.
Dr. Hastings’ research focuses on machine learning and artificial intelligence including natural language processing (LLMs), generative AI, computer vision, ecological and environmental applications of AI, AI in games, cybersecurity, and gamification in CS and cybersecurity education.
He has won several awards related to his research including an Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) award from the preeminent AI organization AAAI (Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence), an International IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Award for Excellence related to the development and deployment of the AI tool CARMA, a best paper award, and a Faculty Mentoring of Undergraduate Student Research Award.
Dr. Hastings has published numerous peer-reviewed papers in a variety of prestigious journals and conferences. His publications can be found on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=GCWYGtwAAAAJ