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Springfield College Spotlight: Peter Polito
Constantly Evolving Academic Career
Dr. Peter J. Polito
Professor of Computer Science and Physics;Department Chair
ppolito@spfldcol.edu
413.748-3313
Peter Polito joined the Springfield College faculty right after completing his doctorate in theoretical elementary particle physics at Northeastern University. Now, 35 years later, he is chair of the math/physics/computer science department and professor of computer science and physics. He was honored as the Humanics Professor in 1998-99 and was the Cheney Award recipient in 1999-2000.
Professor Polito’s years at Springfield have been a time of constant evolution and learning as he has moved from his original discipline of physics into computer science. “During my first few years here, I focused on physics,” he explains. “My research required computer use, and I was able to obtain computer time at Northeastern and at MIT.” In the late 70s and early 80s, he developed courses for Springfield s new environmental science program and later was asked to develop a program in computer science. To enrich his own knowledge, he took a sabbatical and enrolled in graduate-level computer science classes, beginning a pattern of continuous learning in that field.
Along with general physics, Dr. Polito teaches computer science courses that incorporate areas that particularly fascinate him: computational biology and game programming. “Computational biology is the application of computer algorithms and math to solve problems in biology, especially in genetics,” he explains. Game programming has become part of his Introduction to Computer Science course, and he has found that it is highly motivating to his students. “Teaching in the traditional way didn’t always capture student interest. When I added game programming, I found the students took a much greater interest in the class and got the same background. It’s also a good career field in its own right.”
Professor Polito views math and the sciences as extremely important areas of knowledge in today s world. “Math is necessary for an understanding of the natural sciences and health sciences,” he states. “As for science, students in so many of our traditionally popular majors have to have a good science base in order to understand the human body.” Springfield College offers outstanding programs in math and science, says Professor Polito, and numerous alumni have successful careers in these fields. “Springfield should be very proud of the excellence it offers in the sciences,” he says. “These areas are really going to blossom. The potential is already here, and the secret will soon be out.”
The Schoo-Bemis Science Center renovations will offer exciting new resources in the sciences, Polito notes. He cites the additional labs, state-of-the-art equipment and space where students can work on computer projects without interruption as factors that will not only attract students but bring the teaching of science at Springfield to an even higher level.
What that means to Professor Polito is that Springfield College will be able to serve its students better than ever—a key value that has marked his own career at the College. “My greatest satisfaction is seeing students progress as a result of their work at the College and knowing that I’ve contributed to the students who have entered my life,” he says.