Computer Science students collaborate with Paychex on database matching project

Students in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences have finalized their work on a term project in collaboration with Paychex -- one of the largest employers in Western New York and a payroll/HR services provider based in Rochester, NY.

The project, part of CSIT 496: Software Projects, is a result of a collaboration between the CIS department and Paychex, where SUNY Fredonia students work on real life projects under direct mentorship from teams at Paychex.

The students, all seniors, were:

•    Anne Smith, majors in Computer Science and English, with a minor in Creative Writing, from Wilmington, NY. She is a graduate of Lake Placid Central High School;
•    Camron Walsh, major in Computer Science, from Lake View, NY. He is a graduate of Frontier High School;
•    Jared Russell, a senior, majors in Computer Science and Music, from Moravia, NY. He is a graduate of Moravia Central High School;
•    Ryan Plumer, a senior, majors in Mathematics and Computer Science, from Kenmore, NY. He is a graduate of North Tonawanda High School.

I am amazed by the commitment shown by our students in this project. They worked hard and with diligence. They showed exemplary teamwork and professionalism. It is remarkable that they were able to complete the project along with other projects that they are involved in this semester.” - Dr. Syed Ali Haider

Students were exposed to the latest tools and techniques used in the industry. The project involves utilizing AI and other techniques to match database schemas and users. 

The application developed as part of this project will help the organization significantly reduce the time it takes to manually match the database schemas and users before running copy routines.

“I am amazed by the commitment shown by our students in this project. They worked hard and with diligence. They showed exemplary teamwork and professionalism. It is remarkable that they were able to complete the project along with other projects that they are involved in this semester,” said Department of Computer and Information Sciences Assistant Professor Syed Ali Haider, the faculty mentor for the project.

The team will present their work to Paychex and Fredonia leadership via Webex video conferencing on Friday, May 10, at 9 a.m.

“I am sure this experience will go a long way in helping them in their new roles as they graduate. I would also like to thank the team at Paychex [Zack Mykins, Carl Davidson-Sokal and Andrea Joy Brown] for their time and mentorship to our students.” Dr. Haider said.