Dr. Emily Baumgartner

Hi, I’m Emily

I’m an educator and interdisciplinary scholar.

My Story

After switching my major five times during my undergraduate program, I felt a little lost in life. I had always been a crafty person and eventually landed in Manufacturing Technology. I got to learn metalworking, robotics programming, welding, woodworking, and so much more! After spending a few years in industry at a software company (and earning a master’s degree in Information Systems), I realized that my favorite part of the job was training our clients on the software. I also found myself increasingly interested in how people learn.

I originally applied for a PhD in 2016 but instead took a Visiting Instructor position at my alma mater, Ohio Northern University. That year showed me how much I love teaching things that can be hard to understand. I taught programming, databases, and robotics, falling in love with teaching in the process. I applied for my PhD that spring and chose to focus on the psychology behind learning. After earning my PhD in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Instructional Technology, I spent a few years back at ONU as an Assistant Professor. Now, I am at my other alma mater, Kent State University, where I teach courses in coding (JavaScript and Python) and Human-Computer Interaction in the Emerging Media and Technology program. I also teach a few courses in the Educational Technology program.

Through my teaching, I strive to make complex subjects more approachable, especially students who may not see themselves as “tech people”. I’m especially passionate about increasing education to computing education and mentoring students. Looking ahead, I hope to continue to build inclusive learning environments that blend creative thinking with technical skill.