Computer crime expert to speak in Columbus on Dec. 15

The talk, "High Tech Crimes: The Challenges of Combating Computer Literate Criminals," will be held from 12:45-2:15 p.m. at the Columbus North High School auditorium. The presentation is open to the public.

Wedge is on permanent loan to Purdue University as part of an alliance with the Indiana State Police, the university and the National White Collar Crime Center. His duties include providing training and technical assistance to law enforcement on how to combat computer criminals.

Wedge's presentation will address the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating high-tech crimes, and he'll give an overview of possible career paths for students considering a future in computer forensics. His presentation will conclude with a demonstration of the digital-data recovery process.

Wedge joined the National White Collar Crime Center in 2001 after serving 22 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a chief petty officer. During his career in the Navy, he worked as an electronics technician and later became an instructor at the Advanced Electronics School in San Diego, where he taught data systems and satellite navigation systems courses.

In addition, he has been a network engineer for the Fleet Technical Support Center and cruiser-destroyer group three, where he advised the battle group commander on fleet network and network security issues. Wedge also taught network engineering courses at Kelsey-Jenney College in San Diego.

Purdue's College of Technology at Columbus offers both associate's and bachelor's degrees in computer and information technology. Purdue's program prepares students for careers in computer and digital forensics, as well computer consulting, data analysis, database administration, programming, security specialists, software development and other high-growth computer-related fields.

In addition, Purdue at Columbus offers degrees in mechanical engineering technology, industrial technology, and organizational leadership and supervision.

Purdue's College of Technology at Columbus is one of three educational institutions located at the Columbus Learning Center. Also included at the center are Ivy Tech State College and Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus. The institutions share space at the center but are governed by three separate organizational entities.

Writer: Kim Medaris, (765) 494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Sources: Angela McKinney, lead student services coordinator, Purdue College of Technology at Columbus, (812) 314-8528, amckinne@purdue.edu

Dewey Swanson, associate professor of computer and information technology, (812) 348-7238, dswanson@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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