معرفی
Andreea Cotoranu is a Clinical Professor in the Information Technology Department and Director of the NYC Design Factory initiative at Pace University's Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in product development, research methods, and project-based learning. Previously, she served as Assistant Dean for Academic Innovation, where she designed interdisciplinary educational programs integrating industry and international collaborations.
Education
- PhD in Computer Science (expected 2020), Pace University
- MS in Information Technology (2008), Pace University
- BS in Information Systems (2004), Pace University
Research Focus
Her research bridges natural language processing, human-computer interaction, and computing/cybersecurity education. She develops pedagogical frameworks to enhance student engagement in STEM, with emphasis on design thinking, innovation methodologies, and place-based learning. Current projects explore NLP applications for cybersecurity awareness and human-centered educational tools.
Publication Trends
Her recent articles (2020-2023) cluster around three themes: (1) Innovation in education (e.g., challenge-based learning, competency mapping), (2) Human-centered technology (e.g., mental models of cybersecurity, sports communication apps), and (3) Socio-technical solutions for global challenges. Methodologies emphasize case studies, system design, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Awards and Honors
- Writing-Enhanced Course Program Faculty Award (2022)
- Susan M. Merritt Award for Excellence in Computing Research (2019)
- President’s Award for Excellence (2011)
- Athletics Honors: Daktronics All-American Women's Volleyball (2000, 2001)
Grants and Labs
Secured $2M+ in federal grants, including:
- NSF CyberCorps Scholarship for Service (Co-PI)
- DoD Cyber Scholarship Program (Co-PI)
- CAE-C K-12 Pipeline Development Initiative
Affiliated with the Cybersecurity Education Research Lab at Pace, focusing on K-12 cybersecurity outreach and curriculum innovation.
