Origin Story:

Rebecca, or Becky, is originally from Opelika, Alabama. She and her twin sister shared the experience of attending a public school, graduating among a class of over 200. She started her higher education at the local community college while working part-time as a bank teller, Becky’s fascination with math and technology took root. During her first year of college, she eagerly delved into the exciting world of the internet and programming, finding herself captivated by circumventing firewalls and exploring digital complexities.

However, it wasn’t until she completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama that she realized her true passion lay in computer science. After surmounting various challenges and setbacks, Becky proudly earned her PhD in Educational Leadership, Specializing in Technology Education in 2014. She then embraced the role of an instructor in the Department of Computer Science at the College of Engineering, University of Alabama. For eight years, she passionately pursued computer science education, not only honing her programming skills but also becoming a dedicated researcher in computer science education for both secondary and undergraduate levels. Collaborating closely with colleagues like Dr. Jeff Gray, Dr. Jeremy Zelkowski, and Dr. Kathy Haynie, she worked to train teachers and advocate for a more inclusive computer science curriculum.

In 2022, Becky decided to embark on a new chapter, leaving Tuscaloosa, Alabama for Cleveland, Ohio. Here, she embraced her role as an Assistant Professor of Computer Science in the Teacher Education Department of the newly formed Levin College of Public Affairs and Education at Cleveland State University. In her new environment, she remains steadfast in her mission to promote equitable and widespread participation in computer science, contribute to the development of comprehensive standards in computer science education, and provide valuable insights to the establishment of the Center for Computing Education and Instruction at Cleveland State University.