Yolanda A. Rankin

Yolanda A. Rankin is an Assistant Professor at the School of Information, Florida State University. Her research areas include broadening participation in K-16 computing education, designing video games that promote second language acquisition, and utilizing Black feminist epistemologies (such as intersectionality and Black feminist thought) as critical frameworks for designing technology to empower marginalized groups. Dr. Rankin is a former McKnight Fellow (2020-2021) and Woodrow Wilson Fellow (2016), with over 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters published. She has more than 12 years of industry experience at IBM Research Lab and Lucent Technologies Bell Labs, where she worked in software development and customer support. Dr. Rankin is committed to advancing equity and opportunities for marginalized communities through education and technology design solutions.

• 2024–Present·Emory University·Associate Professor
  • Conducting research focused on interaction design and social equity, while teaching related courses.
• 2017–2023·Florida State University·Assistant Professor
  • Led research and teaching efforts in K-16 computing education, designed video games to facilitate second language acquisition, and advocated for inclusive and diverse technology design.
• 2005–2017·Spelman College·Assistant Professor
  • Researched and taught computing education courses aimed at minority students.
• 2000–2005·IBM Research Lab & Lucent Technologies Bell Labs·Senior Program Manager and Software Engineer
  • Managed development of distributed employee collaboration tools and wireless application solutions.

• 2005·Northwestern University·PhD in Computer Science
  • Focused on game design and technology education.
• 2000·Kent State University·Master's in Computer Science
• 1995·Tougaloo College·Bachelor's in Mathematics
  • Tougaloo College is a historically Black college located in Jackson, Mississippi.