Steven L. Johnson

Ph.D. Student, Information Technology
Entered program in August, 2003
http://www.wam.umd.edu/~stevenlj/
steven_johnson@rhsmith.umd.edu

When I decided to go back to school after many years of working, I wanted to find a doctoral program that would provide me with the best possible training as an IS researcher. I was drawn to the Smith School D&IT department by the research breadth and depth of its faculty members. I have been impressed with both the expertise and approachability of the faculty at Smith School.

I've already had multiple opportunities to collaborate on projects with experienced IS researchers and I've gotten to meet and work with fellow students from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and interests. As an added bonus, my family and I have enjoyed living in nearby Washington, DC. In all, my experience at Smith School has exceeded my expectations.

Corey Angst

I'm just entering my 8th semester in the PhD program and as I've done at the end of every semester since I joined the IS group at the Smith School, I'm reflecting on the previous semester. As I skim the paragraphs from my previous seven semesters, the one theme that seems to emerge is that my journey has been filled with ups and downs. I don't think I'm unique in this feeling as many of my peers have echoed similar sentiments.

Thankfully for me, the ups are far more intense and long-lasting than the downs. There will be times when you feel as though you are swimming against a strong current and not making any progress but this is when you have to tell yourself that things will change course and your ultimate goal is coming closer and closer if you keep your head down and keep trudging forward.

The thing about being in this program at the University of Maryland is that we all know how lucky we are. We realize that we are working with some of the best researchers in the world and they are doing their best to train us to be world-class scholars.

Their directive is not achievable, however, if the PhD student does not have an intense desire to investigate and be inquisitive, have a passion for discovery, and have an unfailing work ethic. It is through this cooperative that true success can be attained and the lows will be far overshadowed by the highs.

Heather L. Adams

PhD Candidate, Information Systems
Entered program in August, 2001
http://www.wam.umd.edu/~hadams
 hadams@rhsmith.umd.edu

The further along I get in the program, the more I appreciate the fact that I chose the Smith school to get my PhD. The faculty are enthusiastic, helpful, and the best in the field. I feel I have learned so much about doing research and the Information Systems field in general. I would highly recommend it to anyone!