Sarah Van Wart

Sarah Van Wart is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of North Carolina Asheville. She specializes in human-computer interaction, web design/development, and computing ethics. Prior to UNCA, she was an Assistant Professor of Instruction at Northwestern University, co-directing the TREE Lab. Her research focuses on educational interventions to broaden participation in computing and ethical implications of technology. She holds a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley's School of Information.

Education:

• Ph.D., School of Information, UC Berkeley (2019)
• Previous roles at Northwestern University, Berkeley City College, and REALM Charter High School.

Research Interests: Designing computational tools for civic advocacy, data-driven community projects, and ethical computing education. She emphasizes participatory methods in education and technology development.

Grants & Awards:

• 2022 Racial Equity & Community Partnership Grant (supports web design apprenticeships with YW Tech Lab).

Teaching & Advising: Teaches courses like AI Ethics, Web Development, and Capstone projects. Advises student teams on full-stack development and ethical tech projects.

Labs & Initiatives: Co-founded the YW Tech Lab, launching websites like Answer the Moment and The AUX. Collaborates on projects merging tech with social justice goals.