About the Penn State Open Source Program Office (OSPO)
The Penn State Open Source Program Office is dedicated to fostering a thriving culture of open source software development, use, and collaboration. We are committed to advancing the knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader Penn State community in the open source domain.
- Mission Statement: “Empowering collaboration, innovation, and the open sharing of knowledge through open source at Penn State.”
- Vision Statement: “Creating a future where open source principles drive technological advancement, foster a vibrant academic community, and promote accessible and inclusive education.”
Our Journey: Founded in the Fall of 2023 within the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), the OSPO represents a significant step forward in embracing and institutionalizing open source culture at Penn State University. The foundation of the OSPO was driven by the vision and efforts of three of our IST teammates:
- Associate Teaching Professor Carl F. Cotner, Ph.D.
Dr. Cotner’s research interests include the development of artificial general intelligence (AGI), with a focus on creating systems capable of learning and decision-making across a broad spectrum of tasks. His work in enhancing machine learning models, especially in the context of synthetic aperture sonar imagery, highlights his contribution to the field of AI and information technology. More about Dr. Cotner - Associate Teaching Professor Mathias Fonkam, Ph.D.
A respected educator and advocate for open source software, Dr. Fonkam has been instrumental in shaping the vision of the OSPO. With a robust software development and information technology background, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program. More about Dr. Fonkam - Ph.D. Student and Adjunct Instructor Jeff Schulman, M.S., ISSEP, CISSP
A dynamic and forward-thinking individual, Mr. Schulman’s expertise in information security and passion for open source principles have been pivotal in the establishment and development of the OSPO. His contributions as an educator and practitioner in the field provide invaluable insights into the real-world applications of open source software. More about Mr. Schulman
Our Goals: The OSPO is committed to:
- Empowering individuals with knowledge and skills in open source software.
- Promoting a collaborative environment for open source projects.
- Ensuring alignment with open source best practices and compliance standards.
- Fostering partnerships with industry and other open source communities.
Our Community: We believe that the strength of the open source movement lies in its community. The OSPO is a hub where students, faculty, researchers, staff, and industry professionals come together to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and drive innovation. We invite you to join us in this exciting journey, whether you are new to open source or an experienced contributor.
Contact Us: For more information or to get involved with the OSPO, please contact us. We look forward to your participation in building a vibrant open source community at Penn State.