Project Team

Dr. Julie M. Smith
PI

Dr. Smith is a Senior Education Researcher at the Institute for Advancing Computing Education. She holds degrees in Software Development, Curriculum & Instruction, and Learning Technologies. Her research focus is computer science education and AI education, particularly the intersection of learning analytics, learning theory, and expanding CS education opportunities.

Dr. Monica M. McGill
Co-PI

Dr. McGill is the founder and CEO of the Institute for Advancing Computing Education. She earned her B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics, M.S. in Computer Science, and Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has authored/co-authored over 70 articles related to computing education and is currently working as a primary investigator on several National Science Foundation (NSF) grants exploring CS education in the US.

Advisory Board

Quiana Bannerman

Quiana Bannerman currently serves as the Director of the Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE) at the University System of Maryland, where she leads statewide efforts to provide free professional learning, training, resources, and grant opportunities to school districts and higher education preservice programs. With 20 years of experience in education, Quiana has taught at both the K–12 and post-secondary levels. She previously held leadership roles within a school district, overseeing multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and elective programs. She played a key role in implementing computer science education across PreK–12, organizing training and support to equip local educators to teach courses in information technology and computer science. Quiana is an experienced curriculum developer and actively contributes to local, state, and national committees focused on advancing computer science education. Her expertise includes writing and reviewing computer science standards, ensuring high-quality and equitable learning experiences for all students.

Wren Hoffman (she/her)

Wren is an educator with experience in teaching, coaching, professional development, leading, and program management. She brings more than 20 years in education to her work, with 13 of them teaching high school computer science. Wren previously served as the Computer Science State Lead at the Iowa Department of Education, ran the SCRIPT program at CSforALL, and led professional learning at aiEDU. She is the owner/founder of Mynd Shyft, an AI and emerging technology consulting and education company. Wren is a life-long learner with degrees in business and computer science, secondary education, educational technology, and education administration.

Blaine Pedersen, Ph.D.

Blaine is a professional psychometrician. His research interests include test score linking and equating, growth modeling, multi-level modeling, and computer-adaptive testing. Blaine received his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Research, Measurement, and Statistics from Texas A&M University. 

Leo Porter

Dr. Leo Porter is a Professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at UC San Diego. He is best known for his research on the impact of Peer Instruction in computing courses, the development of the Basic Data Structures Concept Inventory, and integrating GenAI into the CS curriculum. He co-wrote the first book on integrating LLMs into the instruction of programming with Daniel Zingaro. He has received eight Best Paper Awards, an ICER Lasting Impact Award, the SIGCSE 50th Anniversary Top Ten Symposium Papers of All Time Award, and the Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award at UC San Diego. He previously served as Secretary of the SIGCSE Board and as Program Chair for ICER. He currently co-Directs the GenAI in CS Education Consortium, aimed at helping faculty and institutions integrate GenAI into the CS Curriculum.