The field of computer science continually shows that its application exceeds the realm of computer processing and reaches into strategies for managing important information. Aside from developing a familiarity with up-do-date hardware and software, those holding jobs in the field may use their creativity to dream up tomorrow's cutting edge technology.

One computer scientist is using his training to advance his belief that disability should not pose an obstacle to mobility. John Spletzer, an associate professor of computer science and engineering, recently received a career award from the National Science Foundation to develop a robotic wheelchair that can steer through a crowded city without human guidance or control, PhysOrg reports.

"Our goal now," Spletzer told the new source, "is to extend the autonomy of the wheelchair so it can navigate completely in an urban setting and take you wherever you need to go."

Fit with high-fidelity optical lasers and detailed mapping systems, the wheelchair will be able to avoid parking meters and light posts and react to other pedestrians.

Earlier in his career, the computer scientist developed an FDA-approved mechanism enabling wheelchair users to enter and exit their vehicles and stow and retrieve their chairs.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that the employment of computer scientists and database administrators is expected to grow by 37% until 2016.