Meet Merijke

​I am a doctoral candidate in the Technology, Learning, and Leadership program at the University of Maryland, College Park.

My work lies at the intersections of technology and equity - specifically, the interactions between technology and culture in minoritized communities. My motivation is to bring computational thinking to all students through diverse learning opportunities targeting traditionally underrepresented populations in computing. I strive to create materials, platforms, and experiences through participatory  and human-centered design methods.

Born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, I came to the University of Maryland after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Spanish & Hispanic Studies from Creighton University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College.

Prior to starting my doctorate, I taught middle school social studies, Spanish, and technology in Boston, Massachusetts. While teaching, I focused on bringing educational technology to my students including teaching my school’s first 3D printing class and receiving a McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation Academic Enrichment grant to use virtual reality in the classroom.