Sasha Vassar

Dr. Sasha Vassar is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), specializing in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Education. She holds a PhD from UNSW and has transitioned from industry roles in engineering process optimization and critical infrastructure software development to academia, driven by her passion for innovative pedagogical approaches.

Her research focuses on leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance programming education, particularly through compiler-integrated conversational AI systems like the Debugging C Compiler (DCC). This work, which integrates cognitive load theory principles, has received recognition including the 2024 Australian Financial Review Higher Education Award for Teaching and Learning Excellence. Sasha is a UNSW Nexus Fellow and Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, emphasizing her contributions to educational innovation.

Her publications (15 most recent listed) span AI-driven education tools, cognitive load theory applications in VR, and compiler-based error explanation systems. Beyond research, she advocates for scalable support of at-risk students in introductory programming courses and has pioneered adaptive learning resources in engineering design education through earlier work on virtual workshops.

• Awards: 2024 Australian Financial Review Award, 2022 UNSW Teaching Excellence Award
• Grants/Research: Focuses on LLM integration in compilers, cognitive load theory, and scalable educational technologies
• Labs/Teams: Leads the DCC project team and collaborates with UNSW's educational technology initiatives