Valerie Summet

Papers

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About

Valerie Summet is a computer science educator whose innovative work bridges the gap between technical curricula and the imaginative worlds of science fiction. Her primary research areas include computer science education, broadening participation in computing, and the pedagogical use of narrative media. Summet’s most significant contribution is her pioneering exploration of science fiction as a tool to engage students in CS learning. Her highly cited paper, "Science fiction in computer science education" (2012, 34 citations), demonstrates how works like *Star Trek* and *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy* can help students connect technical content—such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and networking—to human experience, making abstract concepts more accessible and memorable. She has also presented practical strategies for instructors in her follow-up work (2014). Beyond her scholarship, Summet is recognized for her dedication to inclusive teaching and curriculum design, actively working to make computing more welcoming and relevant. Her research has influenced a growing movement to incorporate narrative and speculative fiction into CS classrooms, inspiring educators to think creatively about student engagement.