Dr. Cruz Izu is a Lecturer in the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Adelaide. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and a PhD in Computer Architecture from the University of the Basque Country, along with a Graduate Certificate in Online Learning from the University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on two primary areas: interconnection network design for parallel systems and computer science education methodologies. Research Interests: Interconnection networks in parallel systems and Network-on-Chip architectures Computer Science Education, including program comprehension, code quality assessment, and pedagogical strategies for novice programmers Computational thinking and problem-solving in early university education Teaching Contributions: Coordinator for Masters of Computing and Innovation program Lead developer of Systems, Programming, and Problem Solving courses Former coordinator of the Google-funded Educators PD program (2011-2020) Collaborations: International partnerships with institutions in Spain, Italy, and Australia Contributions to the design of the SACE Digital Technologies curriculum Professional Activities: Editor of Informatics in Education (2021 Special Issue on Abstraction) PC member for SIGCE and ITiCSE conferences











