Cruz Izu

Dr. Cruz Izu is a Lecturer in the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Adelaide. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and a PhD in Computer Architecture from the University of the Basque Country, along with a Graduate Certificate in Online Learning from the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on two primary areas: interconnection network design for parallel systems and computer science education methodologies.

Research Interests:

• Interconnection networks in parallel systems and Network-on-Chip architectures
• Computer Science Education, including program comprehension, code quality assessment, and pedagogical strategies for novice programmers
• Computational thinking and problem-solving in early university education

Teaching Contributions:

• Coordinator for Masters of Computing and Innovation program
• Lead developer of Systems, Programming, and Problem Solving courses
• Former coordinator of the Google-funded Educators PD program (2011-2020)

Collaborations:

• International partnerships with institutions in Spain, Italy, and Australia
• Contributions to the design of the SACE Digital Technologies curriculum

Professional Activities:

• Editor of Informatics in Education (2021 Special Issue on Abstraction)
• PC member for SIGCE and ITiCSE conferences