Barbara Ericson

Barbara Ericson is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan, holding dual appointments in the School of Information and the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the College of Engineering. She specializes in computing education, learning analytics, and artificial intelligence, with a focus on interactive e-books, adaptive learning tools, and increasing diversity in STEM. Her work includes developing the CSAwesome curriculum and the Rise UP 4 CS initiative to support underrepresented students in AP Computer Science.

Ericson earned her PhD in Human-Centered Computing from Georgia Tech, an MS in Computer Science from the University of Michigan, and a BS in Computer Science from Wayne State University. Her research has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ACM Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award (2010) and the A. Richard Newton Educator ABIE Award (2012).

Her research emphasizes active learning strategies like adaptive Parsons problems, which break down programming tasks into manageable steps. She also explores AI literacy in K-12 and higher education, leveraging large language models (LLMs) to enhance learning. Ericson’s platforms, such as Runestone Interactive, provide free, interactive textbooks with tools for peer instruction and data-driven analytics to improve educational outcomes.

Ericson’s efforts in broadening participation in computing include multi-state initiatives and mentorship programs. She has conducted multi-institutional studies on Parsons problems and their impact on novice programmers. Her work on the Tutor Engagement Assistant (TEA) promotes effective teaching assistant-student interactions.

Her honors include the Foley Scholar distinction at Georgia Tech (2016) for doctoral excellence. Current projects focus on AI-supported learning tools, equity in CS education, and scaling interactive e-book adoption globally.