Research to investigate a new approach to teaching computing that acknowledges socioeconomic diversity while continually fostering inclusivity and equity is underway by using the SocioEconomic Inclusivity Magnifier method (SESMag) in computing courses throughout all four years of an undergraduate computer science curriculum is underway. The proposed approach, built on earlier work, will be “minimally invasive,” occupy very little classroom time, and integrate equity and inclusion into the computer science classroom and the work the students are already doing. This project is funded by NSF 2345334 in partnership with Dr. Margaret Burnett and researchers at Oregon State University.

A collaborative research project supporting inclusive software design education in all four years of the computer science and information technology undergraduate curriculum was conducted, using the Gender Magnification method (GenderMag).  Results showed an increased sense of student belonging and inclusion. Annual faculty development workshops supported this pedagogical initiative as well. This project is funded by NSF grants 2042341 and 2127407, in partnership with Dr. Margaret Burnett and researchers at Oregon State University. Results have been presented at ICER, SIGCHI, SIGCSE, and published in ACM Transactions on Computing Education.

Research on pathways through computer science and information technology curriculums, leading to improved student academic success, is underway. Funded by NSF grants 1928452 and 2127579, this 5-year grant has used growth mindset faculty development and supplemental instruction to increase student success in CS1 and overall retention in CS and IT major programs.  Results have been presented at FIE, SIGCSE and RESPECT.

Methods and practices for recruitment and retention of students into computing fields, in partnership with the Computing Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institutions, is ongoing.  The Affinity Research Group signature practice, local REUs, and problem-solving methods have been shared widely. This research is funded by NSF grants 1834620 and 2137791, Google and the Sloan Foundation.  Results have been presented at ASEE, FIE and SIGCSE.

Research on pedagogical support for undergraduate computer science and IT success, focused on cybersecurity and data science, is supported by a 5-school NSF S-STEM scholarship award. This collaboration included faculty from NJIT, Fairleigh Dickenson University, Middlesex Community College, and Union College.  More than 200 students are expected to be impacted by this 5-year grant.  This work is funded by NSF #2129795.