At California Polytechnic State University, Azizi Penn received her bachelor's degree in computer science, and at California State University Sacramento (CSUS), she earned her master's degree in software engineering in 2019. Currently, she works full-time in data engineering while teaching courses at CSUS, conducting research, and pursuing her PhD in engineering education at Purdue. Her research explores how identity and engagement in engineering can be transformed through meaningful design experiences. Through the Purdue-based SCALE K-12 project, she has demonstrated her ability to translate research into action, co-developing equity-focused STEM modules and working directly with classroom teachers to adapt these resources. In 2022, she co-developed the CSUS TechArt program to integrate arts with physical computing and engineering design for Title 1 middle and high school students. Penn has presented her work at trade conferences in Montreal, Canada, and Nashville, Tenn., and a community engagement showcase in Sacramento. As a future faculty member, Penn will continually adapt and enhance curricula to reflect contemporary issues and diverse perspectives. She will ensure that all students see themselves reflected in the material to increase engagement and interest. Whether through mentoring youth, developing programs that address local needs, or collaborating with community organizations, she aims to create avenues for students to engage meaningfully with the world around them — with engineering and computer science at the core.

Research Interests

Undergraduate Service-learning, arts-integrated physical computing and engineering design