April O'Neill

Papers

Total Citations

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About

April O’Neill is a computer science educator and researcher whose work centers on broadening participation in computing and developing innovative pedagogical approaches for introductory programming courses. Her most-cited paper, “A C-based introductory course using robots” (2012), has garnered 13 citations and describes a pioneering curriculum that integrates Scribbler 2 robots into a CS 2 course—Imperative Problem Solving and Data Structures—to increase student engagement and interest in computer science. This work exemplifies her broader contributions to computing education, where she has focused on making foundational concepts more accessible and motivating through hands-on, interactive tools. O’Neill’s research has helped shape modern teaching practices in introductory programming, demonstrating the effectiveness of robotics as a vehicle for learning complex topics like data structures and problem-solving. Her efforts have had a lasting impact on how educators design curricula to inspire the next generation of computer scientists, particularly by addressing early barriers to student success. Through her scholarship, O’Neill continues to advance the field of computing education, emphasizing the importance of creative, student-centered learning environments.