Deborah A. Trytten

Dr. Deborah A. Trytten is a Presidential Professor and Professor in the School of Computer Science at the University of Oklahoma. She holds a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics from Albion College, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Michigan State University. Her research focuses on qualitative studies in engineering education, particularly in introductory programming courses and computational thinking development.

She has held roles including Interim Director and Acting Associate Director of the School of Computer Science. Her honors include the President’s Associates Presidential Professorship (2015), the William Elgin Wickenden Award (2012), and multiple teaching awards. She founded the Sooner Engineering Education Center (SEED) and the Research Institute for STEM Education (RISE).

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Computer Science, Michigan State University
  • M.S., Computer Science & Applied Mathematics, Michigan State University
  • B.S., Physics & Mathematics, Albion College
• Grants/Projects:
  • CS INCLUDES (NSF, $1.49M, 2021–2026)
  • Computational Thinking in Engineering (NSF, $63K, 2019–2022)
  • SELECT (NSF, $1.49M, 2011–2015)

Her research emphasizes equity in education, including studies on Asian American students’ experiences, model minority stereotypes, and diversity in engineering competition teams. She has authored papers in journals like the Journal of Engineering Education and conferences such as Frontiers in Education.