Katharine Childs

Katharine Childs is a Research Scientist at the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre, Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge. She holds a first-class BSc (Hons) in IT and Computing (Open University), an MSc (Distinction) in Computing Education (Nottingham Trent University), and is currently pursuing a PhD in Computing Science at the University of Glasgow. Her work focuses on diversifying participation in computing education, particularly for underrepresented groups, and integrating AI tools into K-12 programming pedagogy.

With 15+ years in IT roles across public/private sectors and 5+ years teaching computing in primary schools, she has led projects on culturally responsive teaching adaptations, gender balance initiatives, and AI/data science education. She contributed to large-scale studies like the Gender Balance in Computing team and led work on teacher resource adaptations. Current research explores AI education, data-driven problem-solving, and physical computing contexts.

Professional activities include serving on ACM program committees for education conferences. No awards explicitly listed, but her work demonstrates significant contributions to equitable computing education. Advising/grants: Her roles involve collaborative research projects funded by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and University initiatives. She co-leads the Centre’s efforts on culturally responsive pedagogy and AI integration in schools. No labs listed, but affiliated with the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre.