IT grad keeps computer science school wired for success
Rodger Shmitt, systems support senior analyst, and student worker Daniel Demumbrum inspect a laptop in a robotics lab in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. For more than three years, Demumbrum has worked under Shmitt’s supervision at the school’s information technology help desk. Photographer: Kelly deVos/ASU
Arizona State University's School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence is one of the largest computer science programs in the country. With nearly 11,000 students, more than 120 globally recognized faculty members and over 2,000 pieces of technical equipment to maintain, it takes a dedicated team of information technology specialists to keep things running smoothly.
That’s where Daniel Demumbrum comes in.
Originally from North Phoenix, Demumbrum is in his final semester at ASU. This December, he will graduate with a degree in information technology from The Polytechnic School, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Alongside his coursework, he has spent more than three years assisting at the school's IT Help Desk as a student worker under the supervision of Rodger Shmitt, a systems support senior analyst.
For the past two summers, Demumbrum has been responsible for inventorying every single piece of equipment used across the school’s labs, classrooms and research spaces — a painstaking task that demands precision, patience and a good sense of humor.
“It’s definitely detailed work,” he says, laughing. “But I like the organization side of it, seeing everything accounted for and knowing it’s all up and running for our students and faculty.”
Shmitt says Demumbrum thrived in the role.
“Daniel is a talented technician who approaches his work with empathy and care,” Shmitt says. “But that only scratches the surface of who he is. In a recent conversation about his plans after graduation, Daniel told me, ‘I want to do meaningful work.’ That simple statement captures Daniel perfectly."
Demumbrum says that connection between class and work is one of the most valuable parts of his college experience.
“One of the reasons I’ve been successful at school is that I’ve also been able to learn on the job,” he says. “I can apply what I learn in the classroom right away to our IT work.”
Learning by doing
At the help desk, Demumbrum diagnoses hardware and software issues, supports faculty and staff, and assists in maintaining the vast computing network at the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence. The role has allowed him to gain hands-on experience with the kinds of systems from his coursework, from networking fundamentals to Linux administration.
“I like how much SCAI empowers us,” Demumbrum says. “They give us the freedom to use what we learn when we are in the field. It’s helped me grow a lot as a technician.”
He credits much of that growth to supportive mentors like Shmitt and his instructors.
“Rodger is really great. He has a ton of experience ,and he’s there anytime I need help,” Demumbrum says. “And I really enjoyed the networking classes with Damien Doheny. Those really solidified my interest in how systems connect and communicate.”
Calm, capable and looking ahead
Known among his peers for his calm demeanor and good sense of humor, Demumbrum has become a reliable fixture in the help desk team. When he’s not at work or class, you can usually find him watching or playing sports. He’s a big fan of Arizona teams and enjoys basketball and volleyball.
After graduation, he hopes to continue working in IT, with his sights set on a systems administrator role within the next five years.
“I like the idea of managing networks and making sure everything runs behind the scenes,” he says. “That’s where I feel at home.”
Ross Maciejewski, director of the school, says students like Demumbrum exemplify how applied learning strengthens the community.
“Daniel embodies the school’s spirit by blending technical expertise with reliability and service,” Maciejewski says. “Students like him make the school’s massive infrastructure feel personal.”
As Demumbrum prepares to graduate, he reflects on the mix of coursework, mentorship and hands-on experience that’s given him the confidence to take the next step.
“ASU has been a great place to learn,” he says. “Every day, I get to solve problems, help people and see what I’m learning actually make a difference.”
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