The problem that was addressed in this study was underrepresented minorities' low interest in pursuing computer science as a profession. The purpose of this quantitative, quasi-experimental study was to measure underrepresented youth's attitudes toward computer science. The issue remains a pressing challenge in the U.S. This study explored the…

Computer science (CS) has been identified as one of the fastest-growing professions, with demand for CS professionals far outpacing the supply of CS graduates. The necessity for a trained CS workforce has compelled industry and academia to evaluate strategies for broadening participation in CS. The current literature in CS education emphasizes the…

The United States has been experiencing an information Technology talent shortage for several years. This has caused employers to be creative in finding talented computer related talent. Many colleges have trending declines in enrollment in computer related majors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and Department of Education Statistics reveal some…

Computing in some form touches nearly every aspect of day to day life and is reflected in the ubiquitous use of cell phones, the expansion of automation into many industries, and the vast amounts of data that are routinely gathered about people's health, education, and buying habits. Computing is now a part of nearly every occupation, not only…

This paper expands on knowledge of computing identity by building on what is known about prior identity models in science and mathematics education. The model theorizes three primary sub-constructs that contribute to the development of a computing identity: belief in one's performance/competence, interest, and recognition in computing. Drawing on…

This study explored factors impacting the decision for gifted females to pursue a career in computer science. The study used a phenomenological approach to delve into the experiences of ten gifted alumnae of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science (Gatton), a residential STEM program, aiming to reveal nuanced insights into factors shaping…

Like other STEM fields, computer science (CS) lacks representation of minorities, such as Black and Hispanic individuals, both in the number of bachelor's degrees obtained and the number of individuals in the CS workforce. Out-of-school CS programs are often designed with the intent to inspire young people to pursue careers in CS. Much of this…

Computationally intensive science (CIS)-related disciplines and careers are predicted to be among the cutting-edge fields and high-demand jobs. Such disciplines and careers demand expertise in both traditional scientific knowledge and computer science (CS)-related understanding and skills. Preparing educational systems for developing interest and…

The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to describe the lived experiences of Black women with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in computer science, currently employed in the United States. The theory guiding this study was Krumboltz's social learning theory of career decision-making, as it provides a foundation for…

This correlational, quantitative dissertation in practice explored the influence of the timing of algebra 1, taking advanced math courses, taking AP math courses, math credits earned, math self-efficacy, math identity, and socioeconomic status (SES) on the decision by girls to choose computer science education or career pathway at the…

In response to the underrepresentation of minoritized groups employed in the computer science (CS) field, this study aims to enhance underrepresented minoritized (URM) students' motivation for CS through an intervention informed by culturally relevant pedagogy theory in a required high school mathematics course. This intervention integrated…

Increasing participation and continued persistence of women in computing is a perennial problem. This paper explores how participation in computing has been defined and the consequences definitions have on understanding women's persistence in computing. The data for this paper come from 64 in-depth, qualitative interviews with young women who in…

Underrepresented populations such as women, African-Americans, and Latinos/as often come to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers by less traditional paths than White and Asian males. To better understand how and why women might shift toward STEM, particularly computer science, careers, we investigated the education and…

More and more Canadians are pursuing graduate studies, often to increase their chances of getting a better-paying job. Using data from the 2016 Census, this study examines the extent to which median earnings of workers with a master's degree or doctorate differ from their counterparts with a bachelor's degree, focusing on differences across fields…

This dissertation conducted a science classroom intervention using two instructional approaches, computational modeling and paper-based pictorial modeling, in the context of food webs. A series of research papers were written on the impact of the intervention on students' attitudes and learning, and on teachers via professional development and…