Zoë Wood

Zoë J. Wood is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department within the College of Engineering at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). She leads the International Computer Engineering Experience (ICEX) program and serves as faculty advisor for Women Involved in Software and Hardware (W.I.S.H.), a student organization supporting female computing majors.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science from the California Institute of Technology. Wood co-founded the interdisciplinary minor Computing for the Interactive Arts, reflecting her commitment to bridging artistic expression with technical skills.

Wood's research spans computer graphics, scientific visualization, and computer science education, with a focus on geometric modeling and underwater archaeological visualization. Her work often integrates visual arts, mathematics, and computer science, creating innovative approaches to both research and teaching. Recent projects demonstrate an increasing emphasis on socially responsible computing, diversity in STEM, and community engagement.

Her scholarly output shows a clear evolution from technical computer graphics research toward educational innovation and social impact, particularly in broadening participation in computing. The most recent publications focus on socially responsible computing, Latinx student retention, and community-based learning approaches in introductory courses.

Wood actively promotes diversity in computing through multiple initiatives, including advising W.I.S.H., developing inclusive curricula, and conducting research on student belonging and retention. Her work with the Computing for the Interactive Arts program empowers students to realize artistic visions through coding.

She teaches a range of courses from introductory computing with an arts focus (CSC 123) to advanced computer graphics (CSC/CPE 471), computer animation (CSC/CPE 474), and graduate-level computer graphics (CSC 572). Her teaching philosophy emphasizes creative approaches to computational thinking and technical skill development.