Alicia M. Grubb

Alicia M. Grubb is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Smith College. She completed her Doctorate and Masters degrees in Computer Science at the University of Toronto, and earned her Bachelors in Software Engineering from the University of Waterloo.

Her research focuses on how individuals learn, make decisions, and understand change within the context of empirical software engineering. Specifically, she investigates goal modeling in early-phase software engineering, which elicits and connects stakeholders' intentions and social needs with technical requirements to help stakeholders understand and evaluate potential tradeoffs. Her dissertation work, advised by Marsha Chechik at the University of Toronto, enables stakeholders to model and reason about tradeoff decisions in evolving requirements environments.

Professor Grubb teaches a variety of courses including Introduction to Computer Science (CSC 110, S24, S25), Introduction to Computer Science Through Programming (CSC 111, S19-S22), Introduction to Software Engineering (CSC 223, F19), Microprocessors and Assembly Language (CSC 231, F20), Algorithms (CSC 252, F23, F24), and Seminar: Responsible Computing (CSC 325, F19, F20, F21, F24). She has developed educational materials and tools for software engineering education, including the ValleyBikeSim project for CSC 223.

Her technical work includes developing goal modeling tools such as BloomingLeaf (a tool for modeling and analyzing Tropos-like formal goal models with Dynamic Intentions), Leaf2.0 (for modeling iStar2.0 goal models), and GrowingLeaf (for modeling and analyzing iStar goal models with Dynamic Intentions). These tools reflect her research focus on requirements engineering and decision-making processes in software development.

Professor Grubb maintains active engagement with her students through anonymous feedback channels and is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment. She is scheduled to continue teaching through at least Fall 2025.