CISE Faculty Candidate Seminar: Michael Borkowski

Details

Zoom Link: https://ufl.zoom.us/my/kapo.or

Biography: Michael Borkowski is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Computer Science and Engineering department at UC San Diego. His current research focuses on software verification and refinement type systems. His work on metatheoretic foundations for polymorphic refinement types has appeared in POPL. Michael has taught three courses as an instructor of record at UC San Diego and has also been an instructor in the summer bridge program run by the Computer Science and Engineering department. He is broadly interested in teaching discrete mathematics, introductory programming, and algorithms courses. Michael also holds an M.S. in Computer Science from UC San Diego and a B.A. in Computer Science from Amherst College. Prior to that, he worked as a software engineer for seven years.

Title of the talk: Binary Search Trees in an Interactive and Welcoming Classroom

Abstract: In this talk, I will give a demonstration of how I would teach aspects of the topic of binary search trees to an undergraduate data structures and algorithms course such as COP 3530. A binary search tree is a versatile data structure that allows for efficient storage and retrieval of sorted data. I will begin by motivating students with applications of binary search trees. I will then introduce the basic structure and operations of a binary search tree. Next, I will present an analysis of the time complexity of the insertion operation. Finally, I will conclude by using the shortcomings of the basic binary search tree to motivate students to learn about more efficient binary data structures.In the second half of this talk, I will discuss my approach to teaching with a particular focus on the management and structuring of large classes. I will show how I apply my philosophy of engaging students in interactive and inclusive classrooms to specific core computer science classes. I will also discuss my future career goals in terms of mentoring undergraduates and future education scholarship.