Harnessing the possibilities of computer science

By: Grace Sanborn ’25

Is it a cat, or is it a dog? Ask the machine!

Two computer science professors contributed to the second annual Wilson Area Intermediate School Computer Science Night Dec. 12. Sofia Serrano, assistant professor of computer science, and Lauren Biernacki, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering/computer science, brought a machine learning activity to the event, which was open to Wilson K-8 students and their families. 

The event brought together professors from different schools across the Lehigh Valley, as well as computer science professionals, to show students the different ways computer science can be used. 

“Part of the idea of this event was to get students interested in the fun of computer science, but also to give them some ideas about an area of study that they really might not be familiar with and might not have gotten much exposure to otherwise,” Serrano says. 

Biernacki and Serrano showcased machine learning technology, using Google’s Teachable Machine platform as an example, where students would show a program images of cats and dogs to teach it to recognize and differentiate between the animals. 

Other exhibits included robotics demonstrations, drones, 3D printing, and making beaded bracelets using binary code. There were also “Hour of Code” activities in the library for students who wanted to try their hand at programming.  

This was Serrano and Biernacki’s first opportunity to engage with the Easton community, and both are excited to explore similar opportunities in the future. 

Biernacki says she is particularly interested in showing people that computers and technologies aren’t scary. 

“I find that a lot of people think of computers as these sort of magical, mystical devices we carry around with us every day, and they are certainly magnificent pieces of technology, but you can understand them,” Biernacki says. 

Parents also had the opportunity to ask questions about computer science and technology at the event. Biernacki noted that a parent asked whether their machine-learning technology was similar to a plant identification app she had on her phone.  

“Having those sorts of conversations that draw those connections between the little toy activity we’re doing and some of the technologies folks use in real life is really interesting,” Biernacki says.

“I was really happy at both how excited the students seemed to be to try out some of these technologies, but also how engaged the parents seemed to be with encouraging their kids to ask questions and explore,” Serrano says.