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Hello!

My name is Ella, and I am a computer science Ph.D. graduate from Clemson University’s Zucker Family Graduate Center in Charleston, South Carolina. In 2018, I decided it was time to pursue a graduate degree in the evenings while maintaining my full-time industry position. In 2020, the opportunity arose to switch from a master’s to PhD program full-time – so here I am! My research focuses on software development communities, live streaming software development, and software engineering education. My goal is to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in computer science education to create more inclusive and effective learning environments for all, regardless of whether they have access to formal education. I am currently seeking a post-graduate career where I can apply my problem-solving skills, ability to manage research projects, and use technical communication to promote education and learning endeavors.

Outside of academic and research pursuits, I enjoy playing video games with a tight-knit group of individuals who have stayed together since my undergraduate days. When not playing a multiplayer game, I love Stardew Valley and any and all rogue-like deck builders (Slay the Spire, Balatro) and general rogue-like games (Death Must Die, Deep Rock Galactic Survivors). I am also an artist who owns a small laser-etching and rug tufting business that I run out of a spare room; it has been an absolute joy to share my art with others and motivate others to create.

Recent Posts

Updates and What I am Working On

17 Apr 2025

art updates

ARTS HERE! “Soon-ish” might be codeword for “its taken almost three years” but its up! Feel free to go check it out!

Other miscellaneous updates:

Currently on the post-graduate job search, and I know the right job will turn up!
Working on a Discord bot to automate an activity my Dragon*Con group started last year, “Hurty Tummy DQ Blizzy Bingo” its been going okay and I am really excited to start adding functionality for it and testing it out with my group so that we don’t have to keep track of a piece of paper this coming convention!

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Sucessfully Defended my PhD!

26 Feb 2025

I am thrilled to share that I have successfully defended my PhD thesis “Exploring the Pedagogical Impact of Software Development Live Streams: Informal Learning Opportunities for Software and Game Developers”!

This was experience was both challenging and rewarding, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support system around me. To everyone who attended, your presence meant the world to me. A heartfelt thank you to my advisor, Dr. Paige Rodeghero, who guided me through this journey with patience and wisdom, and to my incredible committee members: Dr. Kelly Caine, Dr. D. Matthew Boyer, and Dr. Emma Dixon. Your thoughtful questions and insights have made my research stronger and me a better researcher.

I’m also endlessly grateful to the participants in my studies who shared their experiences, the students who took part in my live streaming course, and my family and friends who provided emotional support through late nights and moments of doubt. This milestone isn’t just mine - it belongs to everyone who helped me along the way. Now, on to new adventures, who is hiring!?