Jami L. Cotler

Jami L. Cotler is a Professor in the Computer Science Department at Siena College, where she has served for over twenty-five years across multiple roles. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in Informatics from University at Albany, an M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and an M.S. in Computer Information Systems from The College of St. Rose.

Her research centers on career readiness and emotional intelligence in technology education, with significant focus on Human-Computer Interaction applications. Key interests include:

• Agile software development pedagogy
• Emotional analytics in learning environments
• Cyberbullying dynamics in gaming communities
• Mindfulness integration in CS curricula
• Social media's role in professional development

Her work demonstrates consistent evolution from technical lab instruction toward holistic student development frameworks.

Cotler's publications reveal strong interdisciplinary trends, combining computing with psychology and education research. Her 2022-2015 work increasingly emphasizes emotional intelligence and career advancement, while earlier research (2013-2009) focused on technology-mediated learning effectiveness. The shift from video/text lab comparisons to pandemic-era online learning studies shows responsive adaptation to educational challenges.

Professional contributions include:

• Yearlong Software Engineering Senior Capstone with real-world client projects
• Summer Scholars program mentorship
• Yoga instruction as complementary wellness practice
• Design Thinking integration in agile classroom environments

Her teaching philosophy actively supports "the development of the whole person" through innovative course materials aligned with professional career goals, emphasizing creativity, active learning, and competitive advantage in job markets.