Author Bio
Misty E. Vermaat has more than 25 years of experience in the field of computer and information technology. In addition to consulting in the field, she was an Associate Professor at Purdue University Calumet, teaching or developing Microsoft (R) Office, computer concepts, database management, systems analysis and design, and programming courses. Since 1990, Ms. Vermaat has led the development of the Shelly Cashman Series and has written or co-authored numerous Series textbooks, including many editions of DISCOVERING COMPUTERS, DISCOVERING COMPUTERS FUNDAMENTALS, and Microsoft (R) Word books. Philip J. Pratt is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Computer Science at Grand Valley State University, where he taught for 33 years. His teaching interests include database management, systems analysis, complex analysis, and discrete mathematics. He has authored more than 75 textbooks and has co-authored three levels of Microsoft (R) Office Access 2013 books for this popular Shelly Cashman Series and A Guide to SQL. Corinne Hoisington is a professor at Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, Virginia. With more than 25 years of teaching experience, Professor Hoisington has been honored with the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional in Computer Programming award. A dynamic speaker, she regularly presents on new technology and education trends to instructors across North America. She is the author of several best-selling Shelly Cashman Series texts on Windows, Visual Basic, and Adobe Dreamweaver, as well as Android app development. Steven M. Freund attended the University of Central Florida and serves as a leader instructor of various Microsoft (R) Office, computer concepts, programming, and Internet technology courses throughout Central Florida. An integral author for the successful Shelly Cashman Series since 2001, he has presented at the annual customer conference, the Shelly Cashman Series Institute, as well as other customer events. Mr. Freund has co-authored multiple editions of DISCOVERING COMPUTERS, Mozilla Firefox, Windows (R) Internet Explorer, Windows (R), Office, and Dreamweaver books. He has also written numerous successful instructor supplements. Joy L. Starks is a Professor of Computer and Information Technology at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis. She has written chapters in several of the Shelly Cashman Series Office books and authored the Photoshop, Java Programming, and Microsoft Publisher series of books. As well as speaking engagements, she also hosts the nationally-renowned Tech Camp for Teachers on the IUPUI campus each summer. Susan L. Sebok is a retired professor at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois. She is also a licensed attorney. Ms. Sebok has co-authored several successful textbooks for the leading Shelly Cashman Series, including multiple versions of Microsoft (R) PowerPoint (R) and DISCOVERING COMPUTERS. For over 15 years, Mr. Schmieder has served as a computer technology instructor in adjunct and full-time capacities in curriculum instruction, corporate training, continuing education, economic and workforce development, professional development, small business, and webmaster certificate programs throughout North Carolina. His classroom instruction has served students at NC State University and many schools in the NC Community College System. He is a member of the NC Computer Instructors Association (NCCIA), NC Community College Faculty Association (NCCCFA), Textbook and Academic Authors Association (TAA), and US Distance Learning Association (USDLA). He holds certifications as a Microsoft Certified Trainer and Microsoft Office Master Specialist and is a regular presenter at local and national conferences. Mary Z. Last has taught computer information systems since 1984. She retired from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, Texas, where she was an Associate Professor and the Director of the Center for Effectiveness in Learning and Teaching. Ms. Last is actively involved in the Computing Educator's Oral History Project that encourages young women to pursue careers in math and science. She has been a contributing author to the Shelly Cashman Series since 1992. She also authors many instructor resources for database texts.