Benjamin Shapiro

Benjamin Shapiro is an Associate Professor and the Associate Director for Community at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington (UW). He also holds an adjunct appointment in the College of Education and co-directs the Center for Learning, Computing, and Imagination.

• Education:
  • Ph.D. in Learning Sciences, Northwestern University (2009)
  • B.A. in Independent Studies, University of California San Diego (2002)

His research focuses on supporting youth in learning computer science, with expertise spanning Computing Education Research, Fabrication, Human-Centered AI, and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). He contributes to Apple’s Human-Centered Machine Learning group, blending academic and industry innovation.

Dr. Shapiro’s work bridges artificial intelligence and human-centered computing, emphasizing educational technologies and community engagement initiatives.

As Co-Director of the Center for Learning, Computing, and Imagination, he fosters interdisciplinary collaborations that integrate computational thinking with creative practices.