Gursimran Walia

Dr. Gursimran Walia serves as Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences at the University of Georgia. Their academic background includes a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Computer Science from Mississippi State University (2009 and 2006). They hold administrative roles in both the Department of Computer & Cyber Sciences and The Graduate School. Dr. Walia's academic contributions span multiple institutions and interdisciplinary initiatives.

Educational Background

• Ph.D., Computer Science, Mississippi State University (2009)
• M.S.C., Computer Science, Mississippi State University (2006)

Research Focus
Dr. Walia's work centers on software engineering education, programming pedagogy, and human factors in software development. They develop novel tools like the Testing Tutor platform and Non-intrusive Classroom Attention Tracking System (NiCATS). Their research emphasizes improving student learning outcomes through active learning strategies, gamification, and AI-driven education technologies. Key themes include:

• Software requirements engineering and error taxonomy development
• Classroom attention tracking using machine learning and eye-tracking
• Curriculum design for software testing and database systems
• Addressing industry-education gaps in CS graduate preparedness

Professional Service
Dr. Walia actively contributes to academic service through:

• Curriculum development initiatives
• Educational research funding proposals
• Reviewing for conferences and journals in software engineering education

Innovation & Labs
Their work involves:

• Designing cyberlearning environments for CS education
• Developing the WReSTT (Web-based Repository of Software Testing Tutorials)
• Advancing NiCATS classroom monitoring systems