Janice Mak

Janice researches the intersection of computer science education, policy, and systems change. She has experience as a researcher, K-12 teacher, assistant principal, and curriculum specialist. She is the recipient of an NSF CAREER, Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Making IT Happen award, ISTE Award for Advocacy, and National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT) Educator award, all of which continue were the result of her passion to create and sustain inclusive and equitable CS and STEM learning opportunities for every student. To this end, she is honored to serve on several boards, including the Arizona State Board of Education, Computer Science Teachers Association, NCWIT K-12 Alliance leadership team, AZK12 Center, and the National Science Teaching Association Technology Advisory Board. She was appointed as chair of Arizona Department of Education's technology task force and worked with stakeholders to create solutions to address the digital equity and opportunity gap. She is an invited advisor on state and national committees to reimagine computer science, data science, and mathematics education. Her current research interests include computational thinking in elementary science classes with culturally relevant pedagogy, interdisciplinary data science integration in preservice teacher education, and CS education policy.