Elena Larsen

Background

Elena Larsen is on the faculty of the Department of Computer Science and holds a Ph.D. from McGill University. Before Porter, Elena was a research staff member at a national laboratory.

Elena's work centers on teaching and curriculum in computer graphics and embedded and cyber-physical systems, including course redesign and mentoring newer instructors.

Areas of expertise

• Computer graphics
• Embedded and cyber-physical systems
• Undergraduate research and project mentoring

Teaching

Elena regularly teaches courses in Computer Science, Software Engineering. Specific sections and syllabi are listed in the class schedule each term.

Elena designs courses around clear, visible learning outcomes, frequent retrieval practice, and prompt feedback, and revises the sequence each year based on where students actually get stuck.

Advising and office hours

Elena advises students in the Computer Science programs and holds weekly office hours during the fall and spring terms, posted on the office door and in the course pages. Prospective students are welcome to email to arrange a visit or a call.

Advising conversations usually cover course sequencing, whether to add a minor or a concentration, and how classroom work connects to internships, research, or graduate study. Students who are undecided are welcome; part of the job is helping them narrow things down.

Recent and representative work

Elena's recent activity centers on teaching scholarship and curriculum work in computer graphics and embedded and cyber-physical systems. Representative items:

• A redesigned course sequence in computer graphics, with open or low-cost materials.
• A conference presentation on teaching embedded and cyber-physical systems at the undergraduate level.
• Mentoring of new instructors and teaching assistants in the department.

Titles and venues here are illustrative. UW–Porter Falls is fictional; Elena has no real publication record.

Get in touch

The fastest way to reach Elena is email (elarsen@uwporterfalls.edu); messages during the fall and spring terms are usually answered within two business days. Prospective students and families can ask the Computer Science department office to set up a call, a class visit, or a meeting during an admitted-student day.