Name: Matt Quinn '05G
Hometown: Brentwood, New Hampshire

When Matt Quinn applied to UNH for a Master of Science degree in computer science, he had his sights set on developing software for musicians. After spending time in the program, however, Quinn’s interest in software development spun onto a different track.

Now, Quinn just finished up his thesis in Automatic Illustration of Ocean Currents. Prior to that, Quinn worked with Dr. Colin Ware as a research assistant at the UNH Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM).

Ware, who is the director CCOM’s Data Visualization Lab with a special interest in applications of visualization to Ocean Mapping, is cross-appointed between the Departments of Ocean Engineering and Computer Science.

Through their work together, Quinn formed his thesis related to, “trying to generate simple diagrams that show major currents.”

Quinn says his research could “help whoever doubts the global warming theory to appreciate its effects.”

Originally from Brentwood, NH, Quinn got his undergraduate degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. There, he studied Music but found that his interests spread into the realms of math and computer science.

After graduating from college, Quinn moved to New York City, where he worked as a musician/recording engineer.

“There, I spent most of my time behind computers applying technical-based, logic-based knowledge,” said Quinn. “I worked there three years before deciding on a career change.”

Quinn says he chose UNH’s graduate program because, “it was not only affordable but had a good reputation as well.”

The program hasn’t let Quinn down.

“I like that every single one of the teachers is approachable,” he said. “All of them are on a first name basis and you can send them an e-mail on a Sunday morning and get a response the same day.”

Quinn admits, however, that he did have concerns about coming into the program.

“Coming from another discipline, there seemed to be a lot of prerequisites, but I got a lot of counseling, and got on the right path where I was able to do the program in three years,” said Quinn.

“It was hard, but doable,” he added. “I had no background in Computer Science and I’m six to seven months from my degree and I don’t feel I was cheated out of anything.”

Visit Matt's personal webpage at: http://homepage.mac.com/quinnstarr

- Rachel Purnell, CS Department Staff

* Want to learn more about what it's like to be a CS graduate student at UNH? Email Matt with your questions.