Abi Evans

Abi Evans is a Lecturer in Interactive Media at the University of York, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and the Learning Sciences. Her research focuses on developing adaptive technological tools to support skill development in programming education, particularly addressing misconceptions in novice programmers. Previously, she held a Lecturer position in Computer Science at Northeastern University (2018–2021). She earned a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Washington (2018) and a Master’s in Technology, Innovation, and Education from Harvard University (2009).

Her research interests include designing educational technologies that provide real-time feedback, fostering collaborative learning environments, and promoting equity in technology design. Notable projects include the development of the SIDE-lib tool for detecting Python programming misconceptions and the design of a supportive IDE for novice programmers. She has also contributed to interdisciplinary work on mobile translation AI and fanfiction communities as sites of distributed mentorship.

Her academic output spans 17 publications, including conference papers on pedagogical frameworks for abstraction skills and a book on design for equality and justice in HCI. She is currently the Principal Investigator for an EPSRC-funded project enhancing a supportive IDE prototype (2025–2025).