CIS Thesis Defense by Kathryn Hockenbury

Wednesday, May 07, 2025 at 11:00am to 12:00pm

Computer & Information Science department presents:
CIS Master's Thesis by Kathryn Hockenbury
 
Date & Time:  Wednesday, May 7, 2025,  11 AM - 12 PM
Location: Dion 305
 
Advisor:
Dr. Firas Khatib, Umass Dartmouth, Computer & Information Science

Committee Members:
Dr. Hua Fang, Umass Dartmouth, Computer & Information Science
Clinton Rodgers, Umass Dartmouth, Computer & Information Science

Abstract:

In the past decade, there has been a surge in promoting coding and computer science to kids and teens, specifically to girls. This is because even though there has been an increasing number of women in the fields of law, medicine, and physical sciences, the percentage of women studying computer science has only diminished since the early 1980s. There are many theories of what factors play into the decisions to study computer science. Primarily I focused on prior academic experience, video games, and social influence. I surveyed the current undergraduate computer science majors (n = 153) to learn what influenced them. I predicted that prior academic exposure from coding camps would be the most influential, but it turns out in-school classes were attended by 80 participants. Results show that video games were more influential to males, and social influence was equally impactful to males and females. The need for a supportive environment, and early exposure through academics, remains crucial in encouraging more women to enter computer science.  
 
For further information please contact Dr. Firas Khatib
 
All CIS Graduate students are encouraged to attend.  Open to the public

Dion 305