Doug Harms, Ph.D.

About me

I truly believe in the value of small, liberal arts colleges and thoroughly enjoy teaching computer science at Earlham.  Over the years I have taught a full range of CS courses, from 100-level introductory courses to advanced upper level undergraduate courses, and have conducted research with undergraduate students.  I enjoy working with students as we wrestle with issues about ethical and appropriate use of technology, and I continue to work on ways for students to incorporate community engagement into their college experience.

I also relish opportunities to work with students in areas outside of computer science.  For example, at my previous institution I led courses to San Diego, Mexico, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, and during these experiences my students and I studied power relationships and privilege while living in and working with partner communities.  I also worked with students to refurbish donated computer systems and distribute these systems to qualifying local families and non-profit organizations.

I do my best to advocate for and support students who may be marginalized and/or vulnerable.  As examples, a few years ago I worked with some of my DACA students to identify and implement ways to provide institutional and individual support; as a small part of my support I testified in front of the Indiana House Judiciary Committee, opposing a bill that would punish campuses that declared themselves to be sanctuary campuses.  I have also worked with campus offices and student organizations to support survivors of sexual assault and to raise awareness of sexual assault, find ways to reduce it, and provide support to survivors.

I try my best to be involved with my local community, volunteering at local non-profits (such as soup kitchens and food pantries) and being on several non-profit Boards of Directors.

I have received several grants, was a Fulbright Scholar to Bulgaria, have published in professional journals, and presented at professional conferences.  I absolutely love academia and am truly honored to have the privilege to work with Earlham students and colleagues.

Education

• Ph.D., Ohio State University
• M.S., Ohio State University
• B.S., Muskingum University

Scholarly interest

• Computers and Society
• Networking
• Computer Graphics
• History of Computers
• Community Engagement