Information Technology Student Honored in National Competition

Published 05.02.2016

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A Pennsylvania College of Technology student earned first-runner-up honors in a national competition sponsored by COMMON, the world’s largest professional association of IBM technology users.

Sebastian J. Peipher, an information technology: network specialist concentration major from Middleburg, received the accolade for his submission in COMMON’s recent Student Innovation Award contest, geared to undergraduate and graduate students concentrating on information systems, enterprise computing, computing science or information technology.



Sebastian J. PeipherApplicants had to submit an innovative academic-related information system. Peipher created a fully functional, self-contained, portable information system called Raspinet, capable of connecting devices, providing power and security, and hosting a variety of servers for a fraction of the cost required by a traditional computer network.

Housed in a small metal case, Peipher’s system is run on inexpensive Raspberry Pi computers and has several potential uses, including as a proof-of-concept model and training lab.

Lisa R. Bock, assistant professor of information technology, encouraged Peipher to enter the contest.

“This is a significant accomplishment. The project required extensive research and hard work, which is reflected in the final product,” Bock said.

Peipher’s award included a $150 gift card for Amazon.com, a year of COMMON membership, and placement of his submission video on COMMON’s website.

For more on information technology degrees and other majors offered by the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.