About
The experiences and questions that shape my work as an educator.
I’m a computer science Ph.D. candidate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I am also pursuing an Education Specialist degree in Mathematics, Science, and Learning Technologies. My work brings together software development, AI, and the design of learning experiences.
My path into computer science
I transferred into computer science during my sophomore year at Hampshire College. Later, as a graduate student, I experienced how much thoughtful guidance can matter when unfamiliar mathematical ideas feel out of reach. Those experiences shape how I teach: maintain the intellectual challenge while making the path into the material more visible.
Where teaching and building meet
My experience spans intelligent tutoring systems, project-based machine learning instruction, educational games, and computer vision workflows. At UMass Amherst’s Center for Knowledge and Communication, I develop learning tools including MathSpring. At X School, I teach advanced machine learning concepts and design classroom activities that incorporate large language models.
I am particularly interested in formative feedback, peer instruction, and visual explanations of abstract ideas. I want technology to give learners more opportunities to reason, ask questions, and revise their thinking.
Growth mindset, one latte at a time
My growth mindset, served warm: I started with abstract foam art, practiced a latte, and eventually poured something that looks like it had a plan.
Connect
For teaching, research, or collaboration, contact me at bomingzhang@umass.edu. You can also find me on GitHub.