Curriculum Vita

James (Jimmy) Newland

Equity | Academic | Professional | Talks | Publications | Conferences | Training | Research | Computing | Awards | Groups

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

I grew up as a cis-gendered white male in the 1970s and 1980s. The idea that European enlightened men were the apex of human achievement was reinforced constantly, and I certainly believed it. Throughout my undergraduate years, I considered myself “liberal” and “aware” and aligned with left-leaning politics. I didn’t know how destructive my attitude was to underrepresented groups. Once I started teaching at a large public high school in Houston, my direct experience with people from all kinds of places, thinking all sorts of things, caused a slow transformation. Through experience, I saw that white supremacy is a lie. It took a long time, honestly. However, exposure to many kinds of people was a powerful life lesson that took a while for me to work on. I am eager to be a part of increasing the inclusion of underrepresented groups in science and academia.

One lesson came from my children. My whole family seemed to follow this arc of awareness that white supremacy culture was pervasive and harmful. My kids felt comfortable exploring new gender norms and attitudes about love and race. When my oldest confronted my notion of binary gender, I didn’t take as long to change my mind about gender as I had to recognize the pervasiveness of white supremacy culture. My younger child felt comfortable having the same ambiguity about gender in their life as well. Now, my wife and I embrace both kids’ pronoun choices, and we share ours upon meeting new people. I identify as non-binary in terms of gender. My pronouns are he/they.

As an educator, I have the power to affect change and the responsibility to make my classroom a place that seeks to bring equity and equality. The person with the most authority needs to create a space where members can create a community. I want to ensure equity and equality across communities of race, culture, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Sometimes, I must step back and cede authority to community members. There will be uncomfortable conversations and awkward feelings. The conversations must be repeated as new communities form and people come and go. But I am committed to creating a more diverse group of scientists, science teachers, and academics. I will seek to be a part of communities that share these values.

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

  • University of Houston College of Education Fall 2019 – Spring 2024
    • Doctorate of Philosophy in Science Education (Ph.D.); Department of Curriculum and Instruction; College of Education; Advisors: Sissy Wong and John Ramsey
    • Dissertation title: Improving Student Computational Thinking Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectancy through Integrating Model-building in a Secondary Physics Course
    • Research goals: Investigation of the intersection of physics education and computing education methodologies; Emphasis on critical research in education, diversity, and addressing equity in science and academia.
  • University of Houston College of Education Fall 1996 – Fall 1999
    • Master’s of Science in Education (MS.Ed.); Department of Curriculum and Instruction: science emphasis; Advisors Eugene Chiappetta and John Ramsey
  • University of Houston Department of Physics Fall 1995 – Summer 1996
    • Research and Teaching Assistant in Space Physics – no degree conferred
  • Mississippi State University Spring 1995
    • Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Computer Science Education Specialist – Texas Advanced Computing Center May 2024 – present
    • Facilitated training of in-service and pre-service teachers to attain certification in computer science and technology applications through the Expanding Pathways in Computing & WeTeach_CS programs.
    • Participated in STEM education research projects.
  • Teacher – Bellaire High School (Houston ISD) September 1996 – May 2024
    • Certified Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate instructor
    • Courses taught at Bellaire High School:
      • Computer Math 1996 – 2001
      • Web design (course & curriculum designed by J Newland) 2000 – 2002
      • AP & IB computer science 1996 – 2015
      • Introductory computer science (curriculum designed by J Newland) 2008-2009
      • IB Astronomy (course & curriculum designed by J Newland) 2008 – present
      • AP-C & IB-SL & HL Physics 2012 – present
    • Certifications held in Texas: physics, computer science
  • Adjunct Professor University of North Texas School of Library and Information Sciences Fall 2004 – Spring 2017
    • Taught an introductory and advanced web design course for the SLIS graduate program with both face-to-face and online components using learning management systems.
  • Observatory Manager Mississippi State Department of Physics & Astronomy 1993 – 1995
    • Hosted observing sessions for astronomy classes and the public at Mississippi State University Physics & Astronomy Department Observatory in Starkville, Mississippi.
  • Student Lab Manager Mississippi State Department of Physics & Astronomy 1993 – 1995
    • Distributed & collected lab equipment & materials for undergraduate courses.

PUBLIC TALKS

  • Astronomy Research Experiences for High School Students (ExMASS)
    • Invited talk with Jennifer Wang for Fort Bend Astronomy Club, September 17, 2021
  • Bringing Your RET Experience Back to the Classroom
    • Invited talk for Summer Web-Based Institute for Technologies in CompSci and Healthcare (SWITCH) group at Rice University, June 2020
  • Performing Authentic Astronomical Research as Teacher Professional Development
    • Invited talk for University of Texas Astronomy EXES Associate Program Meeting October 2019
  • Measuring the Milky Way with RR Lyrae Stars 
    • Invited talk for Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society July 2019 Meeting at Lunar and Planetary Institute
  • Lifecycle of Sun-like Stars
    • Invited talk for Houston Astronomical Society in March 2018 & Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society in July 2018
  • Astronomy Using the Internet: Creating astronomical images using IRSA and Las Cumbres Observatory
    • Invited talk for Houston Astronomical Society March 2017
  • Creating Astronomical Images Using Las Cumbres Global Telescope Network and PencilCode (Hour of Code)
    • Invited talk for University of Texas Astronomy EXES Associate Program Meeting October 2015
  • Teaching Computer Science in High School
    • Invited talk for 2014 CSEd Week at Grace Hopper Conference
  • How the Internet Has Changed Astronomy
    • Invited talk for Bellaire Nature Discovery Center January 2013
  • Information Architecture: A Survey
    • Invited talk for South Texas College of Law, June 2013
  • Pair-Programming in Computer Science
    • Accepted talk for Houston ISD 2010 TechSpan Teacher Conference
  • Using the Design Recipe in AP Computer Science
    • Invited talk for Houston ISD Teacher Training July 2009
  • AP Computer Science Teacher Crash Course
    • Invited talk for Houston Independent School District 2009
  • Teaching Computer Science with Web Tools
    • Invited talk for Houston Independent School District 2009
  • Design Recipe with Java Lecture
    • Invited talk for Houston Independent School District Training 2008
  • DIY School Library Websites
    • Invited talk for Houston Association of School Librarians 2008

PUBLICATIONS

  • Newland, J. (2024). Improving Student Computational Thinking Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectancy through Integrating Model-building in a Secondary Physics Course. https://hdl.handle.net/10657/17713
  • Newland, J., (2023). Computational Thinking in Physics CT in Science Attitude Scale. American Association of Physics Teachers Summer Meeting. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.18789.17122
  • Newland, J., & Wong, S. S. (2022). Visualize Your Pulse with Physical Computing. The Science Teacher, 90(2), 50–55.
  • Newland, J., In White, C. (editor and co-author). (2022). Culturally responsive and sustaining education: Framing diversity, equity, and social justice education in a local to global context Charlotte, NC: Information Age Press.
  • Newland, J., (2020). Teaching with Code: Globular Cluster Distance Lab. Research Notes of the AAS, 4(7), 118. https://doi.org/10.3847/2515-5172/aba953
  • Newland, J., (2019). Measuring the Milky Way with Stars Maker Challenge, TeachEngineering.org
  • Newland, J., (2018). Visualize your Pulse Maker Challenge, TeachEngineering.org
  • Shaner, A., Allen, J., Shipp, S., Kramer, G., Nahm, A., Balazs, L., Fuller, J., Newland, J., Snyder,  R., Kring, D., (2014). Exploration of the Moon and Asteroids by Secondary Students (ExMASS): An Authentic, Open-Inquiry Research Experience for High School Students, American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting.

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

  • Newland, J. (2024) Using Data Science in High School Astronomy [conference presentation]. Astronomical Society of the Pacific Conference
  • Wang, J., Newland, J., Yeh, M. (2024). Fostering Mentorship Through Authentic High School Quantum Computing and Engineering Research [conference presentation]. American Association of Physics Teachers Summer Meeting
  • Newland, J. (2024). Comparing Different Types of Computational Thinking to Teach Kepler’s Third Law [conference presentation]. American Association of Physics Teachers Summer Meeting
  • Newland, J. (2024). Using Data Science and Computer Science Techniques to Teach High School Science [conference presentation]. WeTeach_CS Summit
  • Newland, J. (2024). Computational Thinking in Physics and Astronomy Classes [conference presentation]. University of Houston Clear Lake STEM Conference
  • Newland, J. (2024). Using Google Colab to Teach Hubble-Lemaître’s Law with BOSS data [conference presentation]. American Astronomical Society Winter Meeting https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024AAS…24317106N/
  • Rebull, L.; Blackwell, J.; Ciambra, R.; French, D.; Goeldi, N.; Gorjian, V.; Granucci, N.; Gustavson, K.; Johnson, C.; Kuper, O.; Newland, J.; Orr, L.; Rutherford, T.; Sperling, A.; Strasburger, D.; Urbanowski, V.; Van Winkle, E. (2024). NITARP Lesson Plans: Bite-Size Pieces of Authentic Science Research Experiences [conference presentation]. American Astronomical Society Winter Meeting. https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2024AAS…24317103R/
  • Newland, J. (2024). Learning Hubble-Lemaître’s Law Using SDSS Data and Computational Thinking [conference presentation]. American Association of Physics Teachers Winter Meeting
  • Hickey, J., Newland, J. (2023). Using Google Colab to Explore Stellar Spectroscopy [conference presentation]. Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching
  • Newland, J. (2023). Using Computational Thinking in the Physics Classroom with STEMcoding [conference presentation]. Chesapeake Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers Fall Meeting
  • Newland, J. (2023). Assessing Computational Thinking Attitudes in the Physics Classroom [conference presentation]. American Association of Physics Teachers Summer Meeting
  • Newland, J. (2023). Computational Thinking in Physics and Astronomy Courses [conference presentation]. WeTeach_CS Summit
  • Newland, J. (2022). Computational Thinking and Modeling Air Drag with Code [conference presentation]. Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.12783.92329/1
  • Newland, J. (2022). Computational Thinking and Modeling Laminar Air Drag with Code [conference presentation]. American Association of Physics Teachers Summer Meeting (virtual) https://doi.org/10.48448/703f-1w20
  • Newland, J. (2022). Computational Thinking in Physics and Astronomy Classes [conference presentation]. Computer Science Teachers Association CS Across the Curriculum Summit
  • Newland, J. (2022). Analyzing Video Game Dynamics with Computation in Introductory Physics. University of Houston College of Technology Research Experience for Teachers Symposium.
  • Newland, J., (2021). Computational Thinking in Physics and Astronomy Classes [conference presentation]. Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching
  • Grzybowski, E., Hickey, J., & Kuper, O., Newland, J., (2021). Energize Your Science Classroom Using Authentic Research! [conference presentation]. Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching
  • Newland, J., (2021). Analyzing Video Game Dynamics with Computation in Introductory Physics [conference presentation]. Joint Fall Meeting of the Texas Sections of APS, AAPT, SPS
  • Crawford, C., Montalto, C., Newland, J., Puno, K., (2021). Cultural Perspective of STEM Education: Leaping the Cycle Forward [conference presentation]. Greater Houston Area Virtual STEM Conference
  • Newland, J., (2021). Integrating Coding into Astronomy Remotely [conference presentation]. Texas CSTA Chapters Virtual Conference
  • Grzybowski, E., Hickey, J., & Kuper, O., Newland, J., (2021). Energize Your Science Classroom Using Authentic Research! [conference presentation]. Space Exploration Educators Conference
  • Newland, J., (2021). Remote Astronomy Labs for High School Students [conference presentation]. American Astronomical Society Winter Meeting https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2021AAS…23754701N/abstract
  • Newland, J., (2021). Teaching Astronomy Remotely with Coding Activities [conference presentation]. American Association of Physics Teachers Winter Meeting
  • Newland, J., (2020). Research Experience for Teachers as Professional Development [conference presentation]. Computer Science Teachers Association Annual Conference
  • Newland, J., (2020). Teaching with Code: Globular Cluster Distance Lab [conference presentation]. American Astronomical Society Summer Meeting https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020AAS…23624602N/abstract
  • Newland, J., Grzybowski, E., Hickey, J., & Kuper, O. (2020). Authentic astronomical research as science teacher professional development [conference presentation]. American Astronomical Society Winter Meeting https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2020AAS…23536603N/abstract
  • Newland, J., (2019). Real-time remote photoplethysmography using a webcam and graphical user interface [conference presentation], Rice University Research Symposium for Teachers
  • Newland, J., (2018). DIY PPG: Open-source vs commercial photoplethysmography [conference presentation]. Delange Conference XI on Bioelectronics at Rice University
  • Newland, J., (2018). Comparison of waveform parameters from open-source versus commercial photoplethysmography [conference presentation]. Rice University Research Symposium for Teachers

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & COLLABORATION

  • Workshop facilitator at American Association of Physics Teachers Summer Meeting 2023: Coding Integration and Data Science Integration in High School Physics and Physical Science
    • Facilitated hands-on workshop aimed at physics instructors in both secondary and higher education environments focusing on integrated coding into curricula using the STEMcoding platform.
  • Member of the University of Texas at Austin Astronomy Department Teacher Associate Program (EXES), 2009 – present
    • Participate in research-based training in astrophysics through colloquia, hands-on activities and training, and research trips to McDonald Observatory.
  • Master Teacher for Research Experience for Teachers in the College of Engineering Technology at the University of Houston, Summer 2021
    • Managed a team of teacher research interns to design research projects, present findings, write curriculum documents, and plan symposiums.
  • Computing4Health Camp at Rice University, July 2019
    • Created curriculum, taught coursework, and led a team of other teachers in week-long computing and maker camp for high school students at Rice University.
  • Master Teacher for Computer Science Teaching at Rice (CSTaR), June 2019
    • Created curriculum and taught coursework for the CSTAR project for the Office of STEM Engagement at Rice University.
  • Computing4Health Camp at Rice University, July 2018
    • Created curriculum, taught coursework, and led a team of other teachers in a week-long computing health camp for high school students at Rice University.
  • Master Teacher for WeTeach_CS Collaborative Computer Science Teaching at Rice (CSTaR), Fall 2016 – Summer 2018
    • Created curriculum, taught coursework, and led a team of other computer science teachers for the CSTAR project for the Office of STEM Engagement at Rice University.
  • Bellaire HS & Houston Astronomical Society Skynet Junior Scholars Program, 2017 – 2019
    • Designed and implemented a joint remote observing program between Bellaire High School students and the Houston Astronomical Society teen members using the Skynet Junior Scholars collaborative robotic telescope network. Students collect data from a global telescope network to perform various research tasks.
  • Master Teacher for McDonald Observatory Teacher Training, 2015 & 2017
    • Helped design and implement curriculum elements, including hands-on labs and activities and telescope observing programs for K-12 teachers from across the U.S.
  • 2017 American Association of Petroleum Geologists Educational Program Conference Planning Committee Member; Chair: Dr. Stephanie Shipp
    • Designed and implemented multi-day teacher-centered workshops and sessions as part of the annual AAPG conference.
  • Houston Public Library Computer Classes
    • Introductory Web Design and Computer Use Courses for the Houston Public Library Central Library, 2009 – 2010.
  • Public Star Parties & Sidewalk Astronomy Fall 2008 – present
    • Organized, hosted, and ran public star parties as part of the astronomy course and organized sidewalk astronomy events with Houston Public Library and in conjunction with Houston Astronomical Society and Fort Bend Astronomy Club/Houston Museum of Natural Science George Observatory.
  • Master Teacher for Computer Science Computing and Mentoring Partnership (CS-CAMP) for High School & Middle School Girls at Rice University 2003 – 2008
    • Created curriculum, taught coursework, and led a team of other HISD computer science teachers for the CS-CAMP project for the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education at Rice University.
  • Librarian’s Internet Research Institute Summers 1998-2002
    • Co-taught summer institute for librarians focusing on Internet research skills, web design, and other related topics for HISD library services department.
  • Various HISD & Bellaire HS Teacher Training Sessions
    • Perform professional development for teachers covering a variety of technology-related topics.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

  • Improving Student Computational Thinking Self-Efficacy and Outcome Expectancy through Integrating Model-building in a Secondary Physics Course
    • The study explored changes in self-efficacy and outcome expectancy of physics students after completing computational thinking activities from the STEMcoding curriculum in a large urban public high school AP physics course. While this quasi-experimental study showed no clear impact on self-efficacy from exposure to STEMcoding activities, an effect was seen on student outcome expectancy by participants completing the STEMcoding exercises when controlling for race, gender, and coding experience.
  • Quantum Engineering Research and You (QuERY). Spring 2022, Spring 2023, and Spring 2024.
    • Mentored several teams in quantum computing and engineering projects in collaboration with Harvard and MIT. Collaborators: Jennifer Wang, MIT, and Matt Yeh, Harvard. https://mudyeh.github.io/query/
    • Collaborated on a research study connecting scientist mentorship to science self-efficacy.
  • Analyzing Video Game Dynamics with Computation in Introductory Physics: University of Houston College of Engineering Technology Research Experience for Teachers (RET). Mentor: Arturo Haces-Garcia, COT, U of Houston, Summer 2021
    • Conducted original research on the use of gameplay video analysis in exploring and modeling physics using computer programing. Also acted as a master teacher for other teacher research interns.
  • Real-time remote photoplethysmography using a webcam and graphical user interface: National Science Foundation Expeditions in Computing Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Mentor: Yongyi Zhao, ECE, Rice University Summer 2019
    • Conducted original research and led a research team of teachers in facial feature tracking and digital signal processing of biometric data for the Scalable Health Labs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University.
  • Investigating Europium ratios in mid-metallicity evolved stellar population: The University of Texas at Austin and McDonald Observatory Research Internship June 2019
    • Participated in astronomical research performing spectroscopic analysis of low metallicity Milky Way halo stars using Sandiford Echelle Spectrograph on Otto Struve 2.1m Telescope.
  • Using foreground-background quasar pairs for outflow feature detection, Bellaire Astronomy Research Team, June 2019 Houston Astronomical Society
    • Research Advisor with mentor Dr. Sean Johnson, NASA Hubble, and Carnegie-Princeton Postdoctoral Fellow, for 11-person student research program Fall 2018-Summer 2019.
  • Comparison of waveform parameters from open-source vs commercial photoplethysmography: National Science Foundation Expeditions in Computing/PATHS-UP Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Mentors: Amruta Pai, Akash Maity, ECE, Rice University Summer 2018
    • Conducted original research in digital signal processing and pulmonary data analysis for the Scalable Health Labs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University.
  • Studying Outflows in Obscured Quasars Using SDSS Data: Bellaire Astronomy Research Team, June 2018 Houston Astronomical Society
    • Research Advisor with mentor Dr. Sean Johnson, NASA Hubble and Carnegie-Princeton Postdoctoral Fellow, for 4-person student research program Fall 2017-Summer 2018.
  • University of Texas McDonald Observatory Stellar Spectroscopy Observing Run: Summer 2015 Managing scientists: Dr. Chris Sneden &Dr. Keely Finkelstein
    • Collected stellar spectra on bright main sequence and red giant branch stars using Harlan J Smith 2.7 meter telescope and Tull Echelle Spectrograph.
  • University of Texas McDonald Observatory Stellar Spectroscopy Observing Run: Summer 2013 Managing scientists: Dr. Chris Sneden &Dr. Keely Finkelstein
    • Collected stellar spectra on bright main sequence and red giant branch using Harlan J Smith 2.7 meter telescope and Tull Echelle Spectrograph.
  • Member of Advisory Council for ExMASS as part of Center for Lunar Science and Exploration (Lunar and Planetary Institute/NASA JSC) Chairperson: Andrew Shaner
    • Helped re-design and implement a high school student research program by piloting an asteroid research program.
  • Approximation of Asteroid Family Ages, LPI/NASA ExMASS Program 2016 Poster Presentation
    • Research advisor for ExMASS research program 2016.
  • Hypothesizing the Existence of Zhuque Family in the 5:2 Kirkwood Gap: 2015 NASA Exploration Science Forum, NASA Ames, LPI/NASA ExMASS Program 2015 Poster Presentation
    • Research advisor for ExMASS research program 2015.
  • Crater Chains on the Lunar South Pole, LPI/NASA ExMASS Program 2011 Poster Presentation
    • Research advisor for ExMASS research program 2011.
  • Graduate research: Development of a Thermal Plasma Moment Analyzer Based on a Superconducting Line (2-D) Dipole Electromagnet Spring & Summer 1996
    • Dr. E. Bering; Jimmy Newland Research Assistant – University of Houston Space Physics.
  • Senior undergraduate research: The Cosmic Gamma-Ray Background Above the Earth’s Atmosphere Spring 1994
    • Jimmy Newland & John Patrick Lestrade, Mississippi State University – presented at the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, 59th Annual Meeting.

COMPUTING EXPERIENCE

  • Skills – Extensive experience with a wide variety of hardware, software, and electronics & instrumentation; Experience with Arduino/Processing, C/C++, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Java, PHP, & Python coding; Experience with Windows, OS X, Linux, and legacy systems.
  • Founding Member of Bellaire High School Makerspace 2016 – 2024
    • Designed and implemented informal education training sessions on using Makerspace tools & technology such as microcontrollers, 3D printers, CAD software, etc.
  • Campus Network Specialist, Bellaire High School (Houston ISD) Fall 2001-Spring 2008
    • Coordinated campus technology policy & budget, designed & implemented training courses, oversaw campus technical support, and created web content & web applications for campus use, grant writing, and implementation, Concurrent with a teaching position.
  • Consultant for HISD Library Services 2001-2008 Primary contact: Deborah Hall
    • Training, web design, and curriculum development for librarian professional development
  • HISD Student Portal Design Team 2003-2004
    • Member of the initial design team for the roll-out of HISD’s student web portal.
  • Consultant for City of Bellaire Library Summer 2002
    • Designed the former website for the City of Bellaire library.

AWARDS & HONORS

  • Spring 2024 Career Service Award from Texas State House of Representatives
  • Spring 2024 Bellaire High School Faculty of the Year from Bellaire High School Alumni
  • Fall 2021 Recipient Outstanding Graduate Student Presentation Award American Physical Society Texas Section
  • University of Houston Graduate School Presidential Fellowship 2019 – 2022
  • University of Houston College of Education Graduate Tuition Fellowship 2019 – 2023
  • University of Texas Department of Astronomy Travel Award for American Astronomical Society 2019 Winter Meeting
  • Bellaire High School Teacher of the Year 2014

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

  • American Astronomical Society (AAS)
  • American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT)
  • American Physical Society (APS)
  • Association for Computing Machinery Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE)
  • Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA)
  • National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
  • Science Teachers Association of Texas (STAT)
  • Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA)