- ABBY WILLIAMS -

I’m Abby, and I am an incoming PhD student at Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) where I will be a member of the Creative Computing Lab, advised by Dr. Karen Brennan. My research explores how integrating computing into grassroots advocacy in ways that center art, culture, and storytelling can be a foundation for critical inquiry. I am especially curious about the ways in which action towards social change can be a powerful mechanism for learning.

As an early-career researcher and teaching fellow, I’m committed to cultivating personally meaningful learning experiences and an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and intellectually challenged, as I believe that in these moments that we are often most creative and passionate, in ways that are authentic to us.

Prior to HGSE, I graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor's degree in Education Studies: Education Research and Policy with minors in Informatics and Data Science. I was also a research assistant for R. Benjamin Shapiro at the Center for Learning, Computing, and Imagination (LCI).

Lately, I’ve been binge-watching Abbott Elementary, crocheting clothes, and working hard to avoid setting off my fire alarm when cooking. I also enjoy listening to music, mostly R&B, and a mix of Pop, Afrobeats, Reggaeton, West Coast hip-hop, Jazz, and Soul. But above all, I love to eat, so if you have restaurant or recipe recommendations, let me know.

• Center for Learning, Computing, and Imagination
• University of Washington College of Education
• Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering
• CSE 12X

Let’s chat! Email me at abigailwilliams@g.harvard.edu or book a 30-minute meeting with me. Don’t hesitate to reach out. I look forward to connecting!