Curriculum Vitae

Contact

weeser@ksu.edu

Education

Ph.D. (Computer Science) — Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Dissertation: Bringing Computational Thinking to K-12 and Higher Education
2013-2017
M.S. (Computer Science) — Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Thesis: A Convolutive Model for Polyphonic Instrument Identification and Pitch Detection using Combined Classification
2011-2013
B.S. (Computer Systems Technology) — Kansas State University, Salina, KS 2007-2011

Professional Experience

Teaching Assistant Professor, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

Primary responsibilities include teaching and advising students, as well as service to the department/university, involvement with student organizations, outreach to the community, and research.

Courses taught (details in Teaching Experience) include:

  • CIS 115 – Introduction to Computing Science
  • CIS 300 – Data and Program Structures
  • CIS 308 – C Language Laboratory
  • CIS 560 – Database Systems Concepts
  • CIS 595 – IS Cooperative Internship
  • CIS 640 – Software Testing Techniques

Service:

  • Academic Assessment Committee
  • Advisor Committee
  • Curriculum Committe
  • Engineering Reinstatement Committee
  • ACM club advisor
    • Hack K-State club advisor
    • Web Development club advisor
  • High School Programming Contest organizer/judge
(Instructor) Fall 2017
Spring 2018 – Present
Consultant

  • AAPT’s Physport Data Explorer: Lead developer for the data science and visualization in the Data Explorer, a data analytics portal for physics assessments. Primary responsibilities include developing and maintaining a large Django web server and MongoDB database.
2018 – Present
Graduate Research Assistant, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

  • CSUSM subaward (2017) – This subaward is to extend the Data Explorer on physport.org to allow educators to create and analyze custom assessments. This will provide an easy to use interface to let researchers to examine their experimental assessments and allow departments to input and share data about their classes.
  • Capability Inference based on Dynamic Topic Modeling and Text Information Extraction (2016 – 2017) – Co-system architect with responsibilities such as system design, data extraction, modeling, and integration, as well as training and supervising undergraduate researchers in machine learning and text analytics for a project funded through Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories.
  • NSF WIDER (2013 – 2016) – Lead developer and in charge of supervising and training undergraduate researchers for a web application known as the Data Explorer with the American Association for Physics Teachers (AAPT). The Data Explorer is an analytics portal that gives educators the ability to gain insights from assessment data, using online information retrieval and visualization through a federated display. This creates a streamlined process for users to upload assessment data to explore.  The overall objective of this project is to let educators from all levels (high school, undergraduate, graduate, etc.) to interact with their data and anonymous summaries of data from other instructors in a usable, efficient, and secure way that has previously been a tedious, and sometimes impossible, task.  The focus of this research is to facilitate importing, validating, integrating, and visualizing assessment data.  This will be expanded for custom assessments, as well as other academic areas, such as computer science, in the future.
  • Sandia National Lab (2012) – Worked closely with Dr. Mitch Neilsen to create cross platform installers for software created as a collaboration with Sandia National Labs.
2012 – 2017
Insight GK12 Fellow, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

  • Develop lesson plans and activities to bring technologies to rural, K-12 classrooms.
2013 – 2015
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

  • Descriptions of the following courses can be found under Teaching Experience
    • CIS 415 – Ethics and Computing Technology (Fall 2016, GTA and Instructor)
    • CIS 200 – Programming fundamentals (2011-2014)
    • CIS 102 – Introduction to Spreadsheet Applications (2013-2014)
    • CIS 103 – Introduction to Database Applications (2013-2014)
    • CIS 104 – Introduction to Word Processing Applications (2013-2014)
2011-2014
System Engineer Intern, Cerner Corporation, Kansas City, MO

  • Assisted in the implementation and support of Cerner’s Enterprise Solutions, including system upgrades and overall system performance management.
May 2011- July 2011
Writing Center Tutor, Kansas State University, Salina, KS

  • Provided tutoring services to students in need of help with writing essays, research papers, cover letters, resumes, and other documents
2011
IT Assistant, Kasa Industrial Controls Inc, Salina, KS

  • Resolved Help Desk tickets and provide assistance/support for users
  • Assisted in researching and testing of process and equipment upgrades
2010 – 2011
Technology Intern, Philips Lighting, Salina, KS

  • Worked as a computer intern in the CRCL (Corporate Regulatory Certification Laboratory)
  • Deployed and developed a Microsoft Silverlight web application
  • Researched to improve software systems used by the CRCL
2008 – 2010

Teaching Experience

CIS 115 – Introduction to Computing Technology

A survey of the discipline of Computing Science and its interaction with other disciplines, incorporating historical development, theories, and tools of Computing Science (algorithm design and programming). Topics include: mechanical computers, digital computers, big data, AI, robotics, security, scientific computing, simulation, and web technologies.  Students also learn Python as part of this course to reinforce the previously mentioned topics.

Fall 2017-present

CIS 300 – Data and Program Structures

A study of common data and program structures together with associated algorithms. Topics include interfaces, design patterns, arrays, stacks, queues, lists, trees, hash tables, recursion, binary search, and tree traversals. Experience with both use and implementation of these structures and algorithms using a modern programming language. Discussion of trade-offs involving performance and software maintainability.  Currently, this course is taught in C#.

Fall 2017-present

CIS 308 – C Programming Laboratory

A lab-based course focused on teaching the C programming language.  Topics include arrays, pointers, dynamic memory, structs, and other fundamental concepts of the C language.

Spring 2019

CIS 560 – Database System Concepts

Concepts, approaches, and techniques in database management. Representation of information as data, data storage techniques, foundations of logical data models, data retrieval, database design, transaction management, integrity and security.

Spring 2020-2022

CC 520 – Database fundamentals

Introduction to SQL databases for non-cs majors. Concepts, approaches, and techniques in database management. Representation of information as data, data storage techniques, foundations of logical data models, data retrieval, database design, transaction management, integrity and security.

Spring 2022-present

CIS 595 – IS Cooperative Internship

The intern works in a professional capacity in various areas of Information Systems such as web development, programming, application development, or information technology. Student is supervised by a professional and a faculty member. Written documentation and oral presentation of project goals, experiences, and accomplishments.

Fall 2017-2019

CIS 640 – Software Testing Techniques

Survey of software testing methodologies; evaluation of software testing strategies; experience in a variety of software testing practices.

Spring 2018-2022

Starbase

Planned and taught an hour introduction to programming lesson to 4th-6th grade students from the Manhattan Kansas Starbase program.  In a pair programming exercise, students translated the sheet music of the song Ode to Joy using the Scratch programming language.

  2013-2019

STEM Summer Institute

Planned and taught programming courses to 5th-9th grade students.  These courses range in theme, including introduction to Scratch programming, artificial intelligence, game design, and micro controllers.  Lesson are aimed to give young students an introduction to programming and other technology, as well as get them interested in pursuing a STEM- field.

Summer 2014-present

Boy Scouts of America

Planned and taught a half day workshop for the Boy Scouts robotics badge.  Scouts learned robotic fundamentals, including safety, design, programming, and applications.

2018-2019

Girl Scouts of the USA

Created and planned a three-hour workshop for junior girl scouts to learn about artificial intelligence.  Scouts learned the basics in translating simple human intelligence into computer controlled sprite, how artificial neural networks operate, and how supercomputing clusters operate.  This workshop relied heavily on the Scratch programming language and CS unplugged activities.

 Spring 2016, 2017

GROW and EXCITE

Participated in outreach programs designed to engage young women in 6th-12th grade in STEM.  As part of these programs, I taught lessons in storytelling, music, and artificial intelligence in the Scratch programming language.

  2015, 2017

K-State Codes – Introduction to Python

Develop and instruct an accelerated course on Python programming.  This course is a free, non-credit course open to all students and faculty of K-State. This course aims to teach fundamental programming concepts and syntax in the Python language.

 Fall 2016 – 2017

CIS 415 – Ethics and Computing Technology

Ethics and Computing Technology covers ethical and moral issues that involve computing technologies and their impact on society.  This class is given in two eight-week sections, leveraging a flipped classroom model and covering topics including basic ethical principles and theories, software engineering and ACM codes of ethics, privacy, cyber security, safety-critical software, and computing technologies in society.  Served as a graduate teaching assistant for the first section, and am currently serving as an instructor for the second.

 Fall 2016

Insight GK12

Develop and deliver technology and engineering lessons at the K-12 level. Lessons include, but are not limited to sensors, Lego NXT robots, Scratch programming, Wii remotes, and Kinect sensors. A goal of this program is to expose students, particularly from rural areas, to engineering and various technologies.

2013-2015

CIS 200 — Programming Fundamentals

Programming Fundamentals is an introduction to Java programming with a small focus on C#.  Students focus on learning how to program in Java as well as general programming practices and methodology.  Responsibilities included teaching multiple lab sections, proctoring exams, grading, and holding regular office ours.

2011-2014

CIS 104 — Introduction to Word Processing Applications

This course is built to teach students the basics of Microsoft Word.  Learning objectives focused on different formatting and tools in Word.  Responsibilities included presenting lectures, proctoring exams, grading, and holding office hours.

2013-2014

CIS 103 — Introduction to Database Applications

This course is built to teach students how to use Microsoft Access.  Students learned the basics of databases and why they are needed.  Responsibilities included presenting lectures, proctoring exams, grading, and holding office hours.

2013-2014

CIS 102 — Introduction to Spreadsheet Applications

This course is built to teach students the basics of Microsoft Excel.  Students learned how to format spreadsheets and use formulas.  Responsibilities included presenting lectures, proctoring exams, grading, and holding office hours.

2013-2014

Organizations

Computer Science Teachers Association

Kansas Chapter

2020-present

Association for Computing Machinery, ACM-W, SIGCSE

2016-present

American Society for Engineering Education

2016-present

Kansas Partnership for Applied Computational Thinking

Treasurer, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

2017-present

Computer Science for All Consortium

Research Member

2016-present

Laboratory for Knowledge Discovery in Databases

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS

2011-2017

Service

SIGCSE Associate Program Chair 2021
Kansas Computer Science Teacher Standards — Writer 2021
Kansas Computer Science Model Standards — Developer, Writer, Ecosystem Lead 2018-2020
Reviewer for SIGCSE 2017-2021
Reviewer for ITiCSE 2017-2021
Reviewer for ASEE 2016-2022
Reviewer for IJCCI 2018
Reviewer for CSTA 2018
Reviewer for ICLS 2018
Reviewer for CSCL 2016,2018

Publications

Conferences

  1. James F., Weese, J. L. Neural Network-Based Forecasting of Student Enrollment with Exponential Smoothing Baseline and Performance Analysis. ASEE Annual Conference 2022 July.
  2. Malallah S., Alfailakawi S., Alkhurafi TY., Weese JL. Reversing Gender Stereotypes in STEM Education in a Gender-Segregated Region. 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access. 2021 July.
  3. Malallah S., Alsalmi KN., Weese JL. Measuring Awareness of Computational Thinking in Kuwaiti Educational Institutions. 2021 ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access. 2021 July.
  4. Malallah, S., Alfailakawi, S., & Weese, J. (2020). A Replicate Study: Adoption of a STEM Outreach Program in Kuwait. Proceedings of the 127th American Society for Engineering Education Virtual Annual Conference Experience (ASEE 2020), Virtual On line, June 22-26, 2020.  
  5. Malallah, S. & Weese, J. (2020). The Effects of Mind Maps on Computational Thinking. Proceedings of the 127th American Society for Engineering Education Virtual Annual Conference Experience (ASEE 2020), Virtual On line, June 22-26, 2020.  
  6. Feldhausen, R., Weese, J. L., & Bean, N. (2018). Increasing Student Self-Efficacy in Computational Thinking via STEM Outreach Programs. Proceedings of the 49th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE 2018), Baltimore, MD, USA, February 21–24, 2018.
  7. Aguirre, C., Gullapalli, S., De La Torre, M. F., Lam, A., Weese, J. L., & Hsu, W. H. (2017). Learning to Filter Documents for Information Extraction using Rapid Annotation. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS 2017). Noida, India, December 14-15, 2017.
  8. Weese, J. L., &  Feldhausen, R. (2017). STEM Outreach: Assessing Computational Thinking and Problem Solving. Proceedings of the 124th American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition (ASEE 2017), Columbus, OH, USA, June 25-28, 2017. 
  9. Weese, J. L. (2016). Mixed Methods for the Assessment and Incorporation of Computational Thinking in K-12 and Higher Education (Doctoral Consortium). Proceedings of the 12th International Computing Education Research Conference (ICER 2016), Melbourne, VIC, Australia, September 8-12, 2016. 
  10. Weese, J. L., Feldhausen, R., & Bean, N. H. (2016). The Impact of STEM Experiences on Student Self-Efficacy in Computational Thinking. Proceedings of the 123rd American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition (ASEE 2016), New Orleans, LA, USA, June 26-29, 2016.
  11. Weese, J. L. & Hsu, W. H. (2016). Work in Progress: Data Explorer – Assessment Data Integration, Analytics, and Visualization for STEM Education Research. Proceedings of the 123rd Annual American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition (ASEE 2016), New Orleans, LA, USA, June 26-29, 2016.
  12. Bean, N., Weese, J. L., Feldhausen, R., & Bell, R. (2015). Starting From Scratch: Developing a Pre-Service Teacher Program in Computational Thinking. Frontiers in Education (FIE 2015), p. 1307-1314. El Paso, TX, USA, October 21-24, 2015.

Book Chapters

  1. Weese, J. L., Hsu, W. H., Knight, K., & Murphy, J. C. (2016). Towards a Web of Derivative Works: Machine Learning for Parody Detection by Classification. In Hai-Jew, S., ed., Data Analytics in Digital Humanities. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global.
  2. Weese, J. L. (2014). Predictive Analytics in Digital Signal Processing: A Convolutive Model for Polyphonic Instrument Identification and Pitch Detection Using Combined Classification. In Hsu, W. H., ed., Emerging Methods in Predictive Analytics: Risk Management and Decision-Making, p. 223-253. Hershey, PA, USA: IGI Global.

Talks/Workshops

  1. CSK5 Summit – Kansas (2021). CS is Elementary / CS4ALL. Online.
  2. Educators and Resource Providers for K12 CS in KS (2021). Compucon. Salina, KS.
  3. K-State Computational Core Teacher Training Workshop (2021). Kansas State University. Online.
  4. Workshop on Continuous Learning in Computer Science (2020). Greenbush University. Online.
  5. Workshop on Kansas Computer Science Standards (2020). Greenbush University. Online.
  6. Computational Thinking: CS With or Without Computers (2019). Kansas Impact Institute. Pratt, KS.
  7. KS CS Model Standards Panel (2019).  CS Teacher Mentor Day. Olathe, KS.
  8. CS in KS (2018). Annual KS CTE Conference. Manhattan, KS.
  9. Kansas Computer Science Standards (2018). CS Model Standards Road Shows. Sublette, KS.

Other

  1. Weese, J. L.  Bringing Computational Thinking to K-12 and Higher Education. (Dissertation). Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, USA. 
  2. Weese, J. L.  A Convolutive Model for Polyphonic Instrument Identification and Pitch Detection Using Combined Classification. (Master’s thesis). Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, USA. 

Advised Ph.D. Dissertations

  1. Malallah, Safia. (2022). Developing Computational Thinking Best Practices for Early Childhood Education in Kuwait and the United States.  Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, USA.  

Advised Master’s Theses

  1. James, Friday (2021). Neural Network-Based time Series Forecasting of Student Enrollment with Exponential Smoothing Baseline and Statistical Analysis of Performance.  Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, USA.  
  2. Prough, Logan (2020). Education Theories Applied to a Cyber Security Bootcamp. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, USA.  
  3. Faqihi, Raddad (2019). Teaching Young People Computational Thinking Using MIT App Inventor. Kansas State University. Manhattan, KS, USA.

Awards

Teaching Excellence Award – Department of Computer Science, Kansas State University
2020, 2021
Kevin and Jacquie Elmore – Carl and Mary Ice Teaching Scholar – Kansas State University 2020-2025
College of Engineering Team Award of Excellence – Kansas State University
2021
KSU Research and the State – STEM Education Group – 1st place 2016
Kansas State Research Forum – Engineering, Math, and Physical Sciences Poster Session – 2nd place 2014