Adam Blank

Adam Blank is a Teaching Professor in Computing and Mathematical Sciences at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), serving as Academic Consultant for the First-Year Success Research Institute (FSRI) and Undergraduate Option Representative for Computer Science. They hold a Master’s in Computer Science from Carnegie Mellon University, where their thesis focused on pedagogical innovations. Their mission centers on leveraging technology and human collaboration to enhance CS education while prioritizing equity, inclusion, and mental health support for students.

Education:

• BS in Computer Science with Mathematics Minor, Carnegie Mellon University (2008–2012)
• MS in Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University (2012–2014)

Research interests focus on equity in CS pedagogy, non-binary/neurodivergent student inclusion, and technological tools like the IntelliJ data structures visualizer and the Setty programming language. They have designed courses such as CS3 (Software Design), CS2 (Programming Methods), and restructured CS24 (Computing Systems) to emphasize foundational skills.

Awards include the Northrop Grumman Excellence in Teaching Prize (2021) and the EAS New Horizons Award (2022). They advise numerous students annually and lead initiatives on DEI, academic standards, and mental health advocacy.

Labs/Teams: Co-chair of Caltech’s Ad Hoc Committee on SETs Reform and member of the CMS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Steering Committee.