Seminar: Empirical Software Engineering: From Discipline to Interdiscipline

Synchronous Zoom Link: https://seattleu.zoom.us/j/96629361448

Speaker

Xin Zhao, Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Seattle University

Abstract 

Empirical software engineering is an emerging discipline that involves the scientific use of quantitative and qualitative data to understand and improve the software product, software development process, and software management. Over the last decade, it has become clear that empirical studies are a fundamental component of software engineering research and practice: Software development practices and technologies must be investigated by empirical means to be understood, evaluated, and deployed in proper contexts.  

In this talk, the speaker will briefly introduce some of the investigations the speaker has conducted in the field of empirical software engineering. Specifically, two aspects will be discussed: data repositories as research objects and humans as research objects in empirical software engineering. The speaker will also present how empirical software engineering could be collaborative with other disciplines from the current project he is working on. 

Biography

Xin Zhao is an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science at Seattle University. Before joining Seattle University in September 2021, Xin was a Ph.D. candidate under the supervision of Dr. Jeff Gray at the University of Alabama. His general research interest lies in the area of software design and analysis, empirical software engineering, and human factors in software engineering.  

While pursuing his Doctorate degree at the University of Alabama, he was funded by several grants related to Computer Science Education, which gives him the opportunity to participate in various activities to promote Computer Science Education to both K-12 students and teachers. From these activities, he developed a strong dedication to the promotion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM, which now is part of his research interest. 

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