Yolanda Rankin

Dr. Yolanda A. Rankin is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information at Florida State University, dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in computer science education. Her research includes exploring the use of video game design for second language acquisition and leveraging Black feminism as a critical framework for designing technology that serves marginalized communities. Prior to her academic career, Dr. Rankin accumulated over 12 years of industry experience as a software engineer and project manager with prominent companies such as IBM Research and Lucent Technologies Bell Labs. Additionally, she is a recipient of both the Woodrow Wilson and McKnight Fellowships and has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers and books. Dr. Rankin's work not only holds significant academic value but also profoundly advances social equity in technology design.

• 2024–Present·Emory University·Assistant Professor
  • Research and teaching focus on the intersection of technology and social equity.
• 2017–2023·Florida State University·Assistant Professor
  • Concentrated on participatory design and promotion of K-16 computer science education, encouraging underrepresented groups in technology fields.
• Prior | IBM Almaden Research Laboratory | Software Engineer
  • Developed software tools to support geographically distributed team collaboration.
• Prior | Lucent Technologies Bell Labs | Software Engineer
  • Designed and deployed wireless applications and functionalities.

• 2004·Northwestern University·PhD·Computer Science
  • Research focused on the interaction between intelligent game characters and second language acquisition.
• 1994·Kent State University·Master's Degree·Computer Science
• 1992·Tougaloo College·Bachelor's Degree·Mathematics
  • Tougaloo College is a historically Black college located in Mississippi.