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Jakita Thomas

Philpot Westpoint Stevens Associate Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Auburn University

Spelman College, B.S. in Computer Information Science
​​Georgia Institute of Technology, Ph.D. in Computer Science

​​Jakita O. Thomas is a Philpott Westpoint Stevens Associate Professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Dr. Thomas is also Director of the CUltuRally & SOcially Relevant (CURSOR) Computing Lab. Her research interests include exploring the development of computational algorithmic thinking, Intersectional Computing promoting access to healthcare information and services for under-served populations, improving reasoning using expert cases, scientific reasoning, complex cognitive skills learning, and computer-supported collaborative learning. She is also co-founder of Pharaoh’s Conclave, a tech startup that prepares youth for eSports careers.
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​​She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer & Information Science with a minor in Mathematics from Spelman College in 1999. In 2006, Dr. Thomas was conferred a Ph.D. in Computer Science with a specialization in the Learning Sciences and Technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA, where she was a Presidential Fellow, National Physical Science Consortium Fellow, tutor, mentor, and Research Assistant.
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​​Prior to her current position at Auburn University, Dr. Thomas was a member of the Computer & Information Science faculty at Spelman College (2010 – 2016. Dr. Thomas was also Research Staff Member in the Service Design and People and Practices groups at IBM Research – Almaden in San Jose, CA (2005 – 2010).
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​​Dr. Thomas is a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award (2012 – 2019). She is also a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) (2016).

GET TO KNOW JAKITA

What are you most proud of in your work or life?

I’m most proud to be a mother to three amazing children: Pharaoh (11), Vivian (10), and Erich (7).

What are your passions and hobbies?

​​I love singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and watching movies with my family.

Do you have a personal motto or other words to live by?

Do all you can, while you can, when you can.

Favorite snack food?

Kettle corn

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