Mike Ryu

Mike Ryu is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Westmont College and Director of Engineering at the Center for Applied Technologies Lab. He holds a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (2018). Before academia, he worked in the San Francisco Bay Area software industry as a software engineer, agile coach, and engineering manager. His research focuses on democratizing computer science education through effective pedagogies and leveraging industry experience to prepare students for professional careers. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Tabor College, teaching Advanced Programming courses.

Core research interests include empowering learners through technology, agile methodologies, software architecture design, and bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice. Courses taught span foundational computer science (e.g., CS 030: Java Data Structures), socially responsible computing (CS 150: Community Action Computing), and capstone projects (CS 195: Senior Seminar).

He actively contributes to the field through curriculum development and lab leadership. Personal life includes raising a family in Santa Barbara and maintaining a professional website at mikeryu.com.