Ryan Torbey

Researcher

Ryan Torbey is a researcher at AIR in the Educators and Instruction program area. He is an advocate for expanding computer science education in K-12 schools and believes that every student should learn the foundations of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computer programming. In the past decade, Dr. Torbey has broadened participation in computing through his work as a K-8 technology teacher, professional development provider, consultant, and researcher. He spurred systemic change in Texas through his work as co-founder of CS4TX, a statewide initiative to expand computer science education. In 2021, he was one of the inaugural winners of the Cognizant Foundation's Innovation in Computer Science Education Awards.

At AIR, Dr. Torbey serves as the deputy director for the Center for Evolving Computer Science Education (CS@AIR) and is the principal investigator for AI by 8 (NSF Grant # 2434579), a research practice partnership developing unplugged AI language arts instruction for early elementary learners. Additionally, he has contributed to several CS-focused projects, such as the Wyoming Computer Science Micro-Credential Courses for Elementary Teachers and CS for All Teachers

Ryan Torbey

Ph.D., STEM Education, The University of Texas at Austin

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