Yvonne Kao has deep experience using quantitative and qualitative methods to study the impact of programs in K–12 education with a focus on mathematics, computer science, and the design and implementation of educational technology.

Kao’s research uses a range of approaches, from nationwide cluster-randomized trials to smaller behavioral studies. She also conducts formative evaluations and expert reviews of educational technology products, providing feedback on product usability and instructional content.

Kao is certified in the What Works Clearinghouse group design standards v4.1 and was a writer for the California Computer Science Standards and the Computer Science Strategic Implementation Plan.

Kao holds a BS in computer science, mathematics, and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a PhD in cognitive psychology from Carnegie Mellon University.

Aleata Hubbard Cheuoua is a learning scientist committed to improving the learning and teaching of computing. She researches language, learning, and computing to drive program strategy for K–12 districts, universities, and nonprofits.

Hubbard Cheuoua’s projects focus on professional learning for K–12 teachers new to computing and socially responsible and equity-focused computing curricula. She also conducts program evaluations for organizations focused on informal and alternative pathways into computing for high school and college students.

Hubbard Cheuoua holds a PhD and an MA in learning sciences from Northwestern University and a BS in computer science and French and Francophone studies from Carnegie Mellon University.

Jen Tsan is a researcher whose main area of expertise is supporting K–12 students and teachers in computer science. Her goal is to support marginalized teachers and students in their work.

Tsan’s projects include supporting novice computer science teachers in using equitable and inclusive teaching practices. She also serves as an evaluator for an organization serving as a hub for those who hope to broaden participation in computing.

Tsan earned multiple computer science degrees: she holds a BS from West Chester University and an MS and a PhD from North Carolina State University.

Jennifer Houchins is a researcher whose primary focus is educational research and program evaluation for studies related to computer science education. She is passionate about the teaching and learning of computer science, learning analytics, and data science.

Houchins has more than 17 years of experience as a STEM educator, developer of educational technology, and educational researcher and is a What Works Clearinghouse certified reviewer. Houchins has served as the Director of Technology Programs at the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation.

Houchins holds a PhD in teacher education and learning sciences with a focus on learning design and technology from North Carolina State University.

Rosalind Owen is a researcher in the field of computer science education. She is dedicated to improving our understanding of how students of different backgrounds learn to code and helping shape evidence-driven curriculum and pedagogy.

Owen brings her knowledge of linguistics research and second language learning to this unique problem. She has also worked in K–12 classrooms, and she uses this experience to inform her work.

Owen holds an HBA in linguistics from the University of Toronto and an MSc in linguistics and cognitive science from the University of Edinburgh.

David McKinney is a researcher in the Learning and Technology content area at WestEd. In addition to providing methodological expertise for research and evaluation projects, David’s work focuses on improving educational experiences and outcomes in STEM classrooms. His current projects include supporting student motivation in science classrooms, developing classroom-based formative assessments and teaching supports for 3rd grade science classrooms, and a research-practice-partnership developing a middle school data science curriculum. In addition to his formal expertise in science education and student motivation, David also draws on his experience as a middle school science and math teacher to inform his research.

He holds a BS in Biology from the California Institute of Technology and an MS in Secondary Science Teaching from Teachers College. He holds a PhD in Education from the Johns Hopkins University and completed a post-doc at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.