Kimberly Khalsa Diaz

Kimberly Khalsa Diaz is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan, College of Engineering. She joined the faculty in 2017, progressing from Lecturer I to Lecturer IV by 2023. Her academic focus centers on teaching excellence, curriculum development, and fostering inclusive learning environments.

Education: PhD in Computer Science from the University of Michigan (2011), undergraduate degree also from U-M. Prior experience includes teaching at Concordia University.

Research & Teaching: Leads efforts to improve EECS 203 (Discrete Mathematics) through the Foundational Course Initiative, emphasizing grade transparency, formative assessments, and reduced student-to-instructor ratios. Co-Principal Investigator (co-PI) of the RENEW CS program, aimed at expanding recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented groups in computer science. Her work has notably enhanced student success metrics, particularly among women.

Awards: 2024 Holt Award for Excellence in Teaching, recognizing sustained curricular innovation and instructional excellence. This prestigious award is granted to only two U-M faculty annually.

Grants & Initiatives: Involved in a $720K grant to enhance recruitment of women in CS. Collaborates on structural reforms in introductory courses, including specialized training for teaching assistants and expanded course sections.

Labs/Teams: Active in the Foundational Course Initiative (FCI) and RENEW CS program, driving systemic changes to promote equity and accessibility in STEM education.