Kathryn Irene Cunningham

Kathryn Irene Cunningham applies creative solutions to the realm of programming education as an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research is primarily focused on understanding how individuals learn programming, with a special emphasis on conversational programming. Through her work, she has explored innovative techniques such as beacons, tracing, and abstract tracing to aid novice programmers in grasping the objectives of programs more effectively. Cunningham's research extends into the intriguing intersection of educational technology and human-computer interaction (HCI). She has been at the forefront of utilizing electrodermal activity measurements to gain insights into students' emotional states while they engage in programming tasks. This pioneering approach aims to enhance the learning experience by tailoring educational interventions to students' emotional and cognitive needs. In addition to her research endeavors, Cunningham has played a pivotal role in fostering a supportive community for postdoctoral researchers in computing education. Her efforts have been instrumental in creating a collaborative environment where emerging scholars can share ideas, resources, and strategies to advance the field of computing education. Her work not only contributes to the academic understanding of programming education but also has practical implications for developing educational technologies that can adapt to the diverse needs of learners. Through her innovative research and community-building initiatives, Kathryn Irene Cunningham continues to make significant strides in the field of computer science education.