Briana Morrison

Briana Morrison is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Virginia, within the School of Engineering and Applied Science. She is on the teaching track as part of the Academic General Faculty, focusing on computer science education. Prior to UVA, she served as an Assistant Professor at Southern Polytechnic State University (now Kennesaw State University) and the University of Nebraska Omaha. She holds a PhD in Human-Centered Computing from Georgia Tech and has over two decades of academic experience.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Human-Centered Computing, Georgia Institute of Technology
• M.S. in Computer Science, Southern Polytechnic State University
• B.S.E. in Computer Engineering, cum laude, Tulane University

Briana Morrison's research focuses on applying principles from educational psychology to computer science education, particularly in the context of learning programming. Her work centers on cognitive load theory, subgoal labeling, worked examples, and broadening participation in computing. She is deeply engaged in improving K–12 access to qualified computing teachers and expanding the pipeline of CS educators through professional development and community-building initiatives.

Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in computing education research, emphasizing empirical studies on instructional methods such as subgoal-labeled worked examples, dual-modality explanations, and self-explanation training. These works span journals and conferences like International Journal of STEM Education, Computer Science Education, and ICER, demonstrating sustained contributions to both theory and practice in CS education.

Her scientific awards include:

• University of Nebraska Omaha Alumni IS&T Outstanding Teaching Award (2021)
• Georgia Tech College of Computing Dissertation Award (2018)
• Foley Scholars Finalist (2015)
• ICER Chairs’ Best Paper Award (2015)
• SPSU Outstanding Faculty Award (2002, 2007)

Briana has been actively involved in advising and grant-funded research. She leads the Subgoal Labels for Learning Programming project, which investigates how structured problem-solving frameworks improve student success in introductory programming. She also co-leads a collaborative research initiative to grow computer science teachers in Iowa through partnerships with Area Education Agencies (AEAs). Her leadership extends to service roles as co-Chair of the ACM Education Board, member of the AP CS A Development Committee, Associate Editor of Transactions on Computing Education, and co-Editor-in-Chief of EngageCSEdu.

She directs the Computing Education Center at UVA and has led the development of the Disciplinary Commons for Computing Educators (DCCE), fostering a community of practice among educators. Her work integrates outreach, curriculum design, and faculty development to strengthen computing education at all levels.