Comprehensive Exam of CMSE Rachel Roca
Department of Computational Mathematics, Science & Engineering
Michigan State University
Comprehensive Exam Notice
December 4th, 2024, 10:00am, EB 3540
Zoom link: https://msu.zoom.us/j/91355305911
Passcode: 715836
Contextualizing Computing: Exploring Identity, Ethics, and Computational Literacy in Physics and Data Science Education
By Rachel Roca
Abstract:
Our world is becoming increasingly algorithmic, where many aspects of our lives are influenced by data science and computing innovations. But behind the automation lies real people developing and maintaining these technologies. This work focuses on students, the next generation of data scientists and citizens knowledgeable about computing. As they learn computing through data science courses and discipline-based computing courses, they also navigate their own identities and roles within different social contexts. My research synthesizes (physics) computational literacy, identity, and ethics in undergraduate data science and physics curriculum. Further, my research will provide contributions to both theoretical education frameworks as well as actionable classroom practices. More specifically, I present work on two projects: data science identity formation in CMSE courses and the expansion of physics computational literacy theoretical framework. Utilizing multi-modal data generation processes, such as interviews and survey data, along with qualitative and quantitative methods, like topological data analysis, I explore the complex and bidirectional relationships between identity and classroom computing practices. Ultimately, this work is motivated by the goal to understand and also practice how we can empower all students with ethical computing and data science, so they might help make the world a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive place.
Committee:
Danny Caballero (Co-Chair)
Liz Munch (Co-Chair)
Jenny Green
Mengsen Zhang
