Java Programming: Build a Recommendation System

Andrew Hilton is an Associate Professor of the Practice in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, where he has been teaching since 2012. Before joining Duke, he worked as an advisory engineer at IBM. One of the key courses he teaches is ECE 551, an intensive introduction to programming designed to equip graduate students with no prior experience to master programming and tackle advanced courses. In 2015, Professor Hilton received the Klein Family Distinguished Teaching Award for his excellence in teaching. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania.

Susan H. Rodger is a Professor of the Practice in the Computer Science Department at Duke University, where she specializes in visualization, interaction, and computer science education. She earned her PhD and M.S. in Computer Science from Purdue University and her B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics from North Carolina State University. Professor Rodger is renowned for developing JFLAP, an educational software tool widely used for teaching formal languages and automata theory, which has been implemented globally in over 160 countries. She also leads the Adventures in Alice Programming project, which integrates computing into K-12 education by providing curriculum materials and professional development for teachers. Her significant contributions to computer science education have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2013 ACM Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award and the 2019 Taylor L. Booth Education Award. In addition to her teaching and research, she has authored two books and published over fifty journal and conference articles. Outside of academia, Susan enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, swimming, and baking, often creating computer science-themed cookies for her students.

Robert Duvall is a dedicated Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Duke University, where he has been instrumental in reshaping introductory computing curricula for over 15 years. His innovative teaching approach focuses on creating a simplified yet intellectually rigorous learning environment for novice students, enabling them to leverage technological advancements to tackle significant challenges. Recently, he has collaborated with colleagues to redesign Duke’s introductory computer science course, aiming to engage a diverse range of students from various backgrounds and disciplines. Duvall holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from Brown University and is recognized for his commitment to educational excellence, having developed several courses that emphasize practical skills and critical thinking. His passion for teaching and continuous improvement in computer science education underscores his role as a leader in fostering an inclusive and effective learning atmosphere at Duke.

Owen Astrachan is a Professor of the Practice in the Department of Computer Science at Duke University, where he has been a transformative figure in computer science education for over 25 years. With a background that includes seven years of teaching high school, he has dedicated his career to broadening access to computing through innovative curriculum development and pedagogical practices. Astrachan has played a key role in redesigning Duke’s introductory computer science course to engage a more diverse student body, emphasizing inclusivity and interest among previously untargeted groups. He leads the Computer Science Principles project, aimed at inspiring new students to explore computing. Recognized for his contributions to education, he has received multiple awards, including an NSF Career award and the ACM Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award. Astrachan holds both a Ph.D. and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Duke University, reflecting his deep commitment to both scholarship and effective teaching methodologies that make computer science accessible and engaging for all students.