Current Research Projects

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Equitable Pair Programming

We are studying how instructors can create pair programming environments that support every student.

Groupworthy Data Science Activities

We are creating a set of data science activities that are cognitively engaging and require multiple, diverse perspectives to complete. These activities can be integrated alongside pair programming!

Increasing Cognitive Engagement in Surveys

This project is led by Otis Hunt, who is interested in exploring what survey options / structure is associated with students engaging more in the surveys their instructors provide. Otis was awarded the 2025 Frost Research Scholarship to continue this research.

Introduction to R

We are developing a “baby R” curriculum which introduces students to R during their first quarter at Cal Poly. The course has no computing pre-requisite.

Data science trajectory

We are interested in the pathways students take when learning data science concepts and skills—how do concepts build on each other? What are the key stumbling blocks?

Students’ Self Perceptions

This project was led by Jett Palmer, who was interested in exploring how an instructor’s pedagogical methods were associated with aspects of students’ social identities (e.g., disciplinary identity). Jett presented on this research during the 2023 eCOTS Poster Presentations.