Patrick F. Wilbur

I am a first-year computer science graduate (though I have been working on my graduate studies while I was an undergraduate) at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, USA. My current goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in computer science. I am an avid supporter of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), as well as open, sustainable document/process/hardware formats and standards.

Professionally, I am a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), have participated in Clarkson’s chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM), and have given a couple student talks at Mathematical Association of America (MAA) events. I have competed several times in the ACM student programming competition, the IBM Master the Mainframe student contest, and several other competitions.

Academically, my primary research interests include identification, (para)virtualization, operating systems, file systems, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction.

Personally, I have many hobbies not directly related to computers. I write lyrics often and occasionally even compose music to accompany them for piano and organ, though I’m terrible at playing any instrument due to my total lack of rhythm (so I sing instead, which luckily requires no rhythm whatsoever?). I currently have a General’s Class amateur radio license, and my radio interests include emergency communications, APRS, packet radio, slow-scan and fast-scan imaging, amateur satellite operation, IRLP, and telephone autopatches. I am licensed to pilot a boat and enjoy motor boating, but have lately taken up an interest in kayaking and canoeing with my fiancee. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies inside, and outside I enjoy going driving, hiking, and walking in the park with a beautiful young lady.

Religiously/spiritually, I am Christian and believe in Jesus as my savior. Someday I hope to go on a missions trip, as long as I have someone I know well to keep me company. I prefer peace over conflict whenever possible, even when it requires great personal sacrifice and self-control–I have been told that I have a strong ability to negotiate with people, and I aim for that to help in resolving conflicts whenever possible. I believe it is important to have a personal relationship with God and I try hard to maintain one. I try to maintain faith in God that He will provide me with my needs in difficult times when I pray for His help, I pray for His guidance in choosing right from wrong, and I try to thank Him for every blessing He brings to my life. My life has been greatly impacted and transformed once I started lifting up all my concerns and joys to God through faith in His Will.