Rate My Professor Rebecca Robinson

Dr. Rebecca Jane Robinson is an Education-Focused Lecturer in the Department of Human-Centred Computing within the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from Monash University, awarded in 2009 for her thesis "Characterizations and algorithms for topological containment of wheel graphs," and a BCompSc (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, awarded in 2004 for "Beyond RDF: Validity and consistency analysis through graph matching." Robinson's career at Monash University includes extensive teaching in core computing units. She serves as chief examiner and unit coordinator for FIT1058 Foundations of Computing, a first-year Bachelor of Computer Science unit, and co-lectures FIT2014 Theory of Computation, a second-year core unit. Previously, she taught FIT9131 Programming Foundations in Java, FIT1051 Programming Fundamentals in Java, and FIT2004 Algorithms and Data Structures. Her approach to teaching theoretical computer science prioritizes accessibility, student wellbeing, belonging, and learning through mistakes, transforming complex topics into engaging experiences.

Rebecca Robinson's research specializations encompass computing education, equity, diversity, and inclusion in IT education. Her expertise includes computer science education and creating accessible learning environments. Notable publications are "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Computing Science: Culture is the Key, Curriculum Contributes" (2025, co-authored with Toti et al.), "Investigating the Impact of a Mentoring Program for Computer Science Students with Disabilities" (2025), "Exploring Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Computer Science Undergraduate Curricula" (2024, co-authored with Karimi et al.), and "Enhancing diversity and inclusion in computer science undergraduate programs: The role of admissions" (2023, co-authored with Karimi et al.). She has earned major awards including the 2025 Dean’s Award for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (Education Category) for designing a proactive mentoring program for IT students with disabilities in collaboration with Monash Disability Support Services; the 2023 Faculty of Information Technology Education Excellence Award for Teaching Excellence; the 2022 Faculty of IT Education Excellence Award Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning; the 2022 Dean’s Awards for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and the 2019 Faculty of IT Teaching Excellence Award for Sessional Teaching. As the Faculty's Equitable Learning and Disability Liaison, she drives inclusive practices and cultural change in computing education.