Science and Engineering Scholarships and Fellowships Blog

Ekaterina Hristova Spriggs, computer science graduate from University of Arizona awarded NSF GRF:

Spriggs, who has spent the year since her graduation conducting research at the UA, will leave for Carnegie Mellon University this fall to complete her doctoral degree in computer science… Her research involves creating computer models to identify fungi. She is working on the project with Kobus Barnard, an assistant professor of computer science, and plant pathology associate professor Barry Pryor, who is also a member of the BIO5 Institute.
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Spriggs is also organizing a summer camp for middle school students focused on integrating science and computation. The camp, which will be offered for students at the UA-affiliated Wildcat School, will be held in June. “Improving science and education is my ultimate goal, and I hope that during my graduate studies I will gain the experience and expertise to achieve this goal,” Spriggs said.
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The award will allow Spriggs to begin her graduate research this fall, focusing on understanding ways that computers and humans can interact in a learning environment. Her goal is to create human-computer processes that keep students engaged in learning, identify areas in which they need tutoring and keep them excited about science and math.
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Using Wiki software, Spriggs developed the Web site “All for Education.” With help from the UA’s College of Science and College of Education, among others, she filled the site with easy-to-access information to inform families of college-bound youth about scholarships, internships and summer programs. The site also has instructional materials for teachers and volunteers.

Related: Ekaterina Spriggs Develops Education Website - Arizona State Students Receive NSF Fellowship - Carnegie Mellon Engineering Students Win NDSEG Fellowships