About

As computing and math education researcher at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, my work focuses on the intricate interplay between culture, learning, and education technology. My work in the Department of Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies (TECS) revolves around developing empirical, research-backed education technology to deliver and conduct instruction effectively and in culturally-meaningful ways. It is crucial we understand how learner cultural contexts shape and are shaped by educational technologies, especially in computing education contexts. I join many other education researchers whose aim it is to develop more inclusive and effective learning programs and education technology. Using Canva, I designed the above Venn diagram to show the breadth of my knowledge and service to the Profession.

My PhD dissertation research, part of which was honored with selection for presentation at the ISLS 2024 Conference at the University of Buffalo, New York, introduces an analytical tool for identifying and analyzing cultural signatures in educational game design for computational thinking. Beyond cultural nuances, my research portfolio spans the application of Large Language Models (LLMs) in online math education, and the emerging field of Prompt Literacy (EdTechnica ebook chapter here). 

All my science projects are united by a common thread: the application and refinement of cultural methodologies in computational literacies. My research aims to shape the future of online, digital, and blended learning, and you can read more on the Research and Publications pages. 

Committee Chair and Members include Ivon Arroyo, EdD, Betsy McEneaney, PhD, Torrey Trust, PhD, Beverly Woolf, EdD, PhD, and Francisco Castro, PhD.