Sandra Vlasnik

Biography

Sandra Vlasnik joined UNO as an adjunct instructor in 1998 after working as a Software Engineer for a government contractor in Bellevue, Nebraska, where she developed skills in all phases of software development. She joined the faculty of the College of Information Science & Technology as a full time instructor in 2005. Her primary responsibilities include teaching a variety of courses for the College, with a primary focus in computer programming languages, application development, programming concepts, and database development. She was awarded the AIM Institute Tech Educator Award in 2014 and the UNO Alumni Outstanding Teaching Award in 2009, a reflection of her dedication to her students.After earning her Master's degree in Computer Science in 2013 from UNO, Sandy expanded her role as the Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion, serving on the College Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Teaching Interests

Computer programming, software engineering, database design and implementation, application development, and IT Ethics

Research Interests

Software Development Methodologies

Service Summary

Sandy serves as the Coordinator for Diversity and Inclusion for the College of IS&T, as a Change Leader for the Regional National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT), as a committee member on the ISQA Undergraduate Program Committee, and as a board member of the WiSTEM Pro2 group.

Awards and Honors

2014 Tech Educator Award, Teaching - 2014

UNO Alumni Excellence in teaching award, Teaching - 2009

Education

BS, UNO, Omaha, NE, Computer Science, Physics, 1988

MS, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, Computer Science, Software Engineering, 2013

Department, College, and University

IS&T Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Committee Chair, Brainstorm ideas to increase diversity of students and faculty at the College of IS&T. Coordinate monthly meetings and research potential options for increasing diversity and for creating an inclusive environment in the college., 08/01/2020 - 08/31/2020

WiSTEM Pro^2, Committee Chair, The WiSTEM Pro^2 organization advances the full and successful participation and inclusion of women within academic professions by addressing gender equity, recruitment and retention, awards and recognition, and career advancement and satisfaction., 03/01/2016 - 03/31/2016

Computer Science Education - Task Force - CS1/CS2, Committee Member, Review current format of CS1 and CS2 and redevelop the courses with the goal of improving the DFW rates in both courses., 08/01/2016 - 08/31/2016

ISQA UPC, Committee Member, 01/01/2012 - present

ACM-W Student Chapter, Faculty Mentor, Serve as faculty adviser for the student organization. Consult with student leaders and assist in planning and organization events and activities., 01/01/2016 - 12/31/2016

Community

TD Ameritrade - Panel, Guest Speaker, 11/04/2019 - present

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award - NE and SW IA Region, Program Coordinator, 08/01/2011 - 08/31/2011