Lisa Zhang

Lisa Zhang is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in the Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (MCS) at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). She holds cross-appointments at the Institute for the Study of University Pedagogy (ISUP) and the Institute for Management and Innovation (IMI). Her teaching focuses on machine learning, programming languages, and writing across the curriculum (WAC) for computer science students. She coordinates the UTM CS Education Research Group and is known for research in machine learning education and pedagogical strategies for diverse learners.

She has taught courses such as CSC311 (Machine Learning), CSC324 (Programming Languages), and CSC338 (Numerical Methods). Notably, she is on sabbatical for the 2025-2026 academic year, during which she will focus on grant-funded work and limited undergraduate collaboration.

Zhang's research emphasizes undergraduate research projects, curriculum design, and AI education. She has advised numerous undergraduate students on CS education-related projects, contributing to over two dozen publications in venues like ITiCSE, SIGCSE, and Koli Calling. Her awards include the University of Toronto Cheryl Regehr Early Career Teaching Award (2025) and SIGCSE Best Paper (2023).

Her work spans educational technology, mastery learning, and addressing challenges in AI curricula across institutions. She has collaborated with industry and academic partners to develop model AI assignments and pedagogical tools for STEM education.