Dr. Philip Sands is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Olivet in Olivet, MI. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Education Technology (EPET) from Michigan State University in 2021. His research interests include computer science education, student motivation, and issues of broadening participation for marginalized student groups in computing. Specifically, his work has addressed the role that student self-efficacy and the antecedents of self-efficacy play on computer science interest, identity development, and career commitment.

Dr. Sands previously spent three years teaching computer science at Michigan State University, seven years at Purdue University in the Department of Computer Science working in K-12 Outreach, seven years teaching statistics and computer science to high school students in Michigan and Maryland, and started his career in software development after graduating from the University of Michigan with a BSE in Computer Engineering in 2001. Outside of work he enjoys playing music, spending time outdoors with his dogs, reading, and playing strategy games. His partner, Dr. Gina McGovern, is a faculty member at Central Michigan University in the field of Human Development and Family Studies.