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West Orange computer scientist receives teaching honor at New Jersey Institute of Technology Convocation

September 30th, 2011

James Geller, a professor in the department of computer science, in NJIT's College of Computing Sciences recently received the Professional Development Award at NJIT's University Convocation. Convocation at NJIT traditionally honors select faculty and staff members who have demonstrated the highest level of excellence over a sustained period.

"Jim is an excellent teacher who is always focused on ensuring that his students learn the latest in computing technology," said Narain Gehani, dean of the College of Computing Sciences. "He is always there for the students and ready to help. I have met alumni from many years ago who fondly remember him."

Geller actively researches two areas in computer science: medical informatics and semantic web search. In the field of medical informatics, together with Yehoshua Perl, Ph.D, another professor in his department at NJIT, the pair has developed theories and software tools for auditing and displaying medical terminologies. Geller focuses on widely-used medical terms including the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) and the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine -- Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT). His work in semantic web search aims to create a friendlier knowledge-based user interface for an existing commercial search engine.

Over a 22-year career at NJIT Geller has established himself as a superb teacher and researcher. His work has been previously recognized by two Excellence in Teaching awards, a research award, and designation in 2010 as a Master Teacher.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Geller has continued to blaze new trails. An established researcher in other domains, Geller recently added medical informatics to his areas of expertise, winning $2 million in federal grants.

His colleagues honored him this year for his outstanding success in integrating professional development, research and teaching in the new interdisciplinary area of medical informatics, a subject at the crossroads of computer science and medicine. He simultaneously transfers his cutting-edge knowledge to his students, developing two new medical informatics courses. His colleagues praise his "gift for curriculum development." His students praise his inspiration and support, describing him as "dynamic," "thoughtful," and "kind." His interactive lectures and innovative course design make learning a pleasure, his students note, "like inhaling a breath of fresh air."

Provided by New Jersey Institute of Technology

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