I have been a dancer for most of my life, and I continue to dance when I can. As a high schooler, I assisted and taught numerous dance classes, which is where I found my love for teaching. After completing my BS in Computer Science, I started teaching computer science to grades 7 through 12 at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA). I spent three incredible years at ASFA where I had the privilege of teaching fantastic individuals who taught me as much, if not more, than I taught them. I then applied my computer science degree as a project manager and software developer for Kennesaw State University as an Assistant Director of IT while completing a MS in Information Systems. I missed the classroom though and decided to return to school. I earned my PhD in Computer Science from the University of Alabama under the advisement of Dr. Jeff Gray in 2015.
Recently, I built the Applied Computer Science program, at Birmingham-Southern College along with an online Master’s in Data Science. The undergraduate program is one of the largest majors on campus. On the Hilltop, I utilized my experience teaching at ASFA as well as working in industry to build something unique! Cynthia Mwenja, PhD, wrote an article about my work at BSC for the January 2021 issue of Private University Products and News Magazine.
Currently, I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham where I am teaching a variety of classes and attempting to increase the number of students from underrepresented groups within Computer Science.
Most of my research is in the realm of accessible computing and human-computer interaction. My hope is to increase the ease with which users can access the computer and computer programming applications, in particular. I believe that the more people involved in designing and developing software, the more inclusive all technology will be.
When I am not in the office, I am either spending time with my beautiful children or dancing!
