Computer Science Education Innovator and Equity Advocate
Colleen Lewis is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, having previously served as the McGregor-Girand Associate Professor at Harvey Mudd College. Her expertise spans diversity in computer science, pre-college and middle-school computer science education, and effective teaching practices for creating equitable learning environments. Lewis earned her Ph.D. in Science and Mathematics Education, M.S. in Computer Science, and B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on identifying barriers to CS learning and optimizing CS education for all students. Lewis is best known for curating CSTeachingTips.org, an NSF-sponsored project that disseminates effective computer science teaching practices. Her contributions to broadening participation in computing have been recognized with awards including the NSF CAREER Award, NCWIT Undergraduate Mentoring Award, and AnitaB.org Emerging Leader Award. Lewis's work continues to shape computer science education, emphasizing equity and accessibility in the field.