Dr. Jennifer Higgs

Associate Professor

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Biography

Jennifer Higgs is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of California, Davis. Her research primarily focuses on the intersection of language, literacy, and culture, specifically examining the sociocultural aspects of learning in digital environments. She employs design-based and survey research methodologies to study how young people and teachers engage with digital tools and how these tools can enhance reading, writing, and participation in educational settings. Higgs has spent years investigating the practices and policies surrounding digital literacy and educational equity, often working collaboratively with educators to develop interventions tailored to local contexts. Her professional journey includes five years as a middle and high school English teacher in Virginia and Illinois, and a year teaching in Japan, which has shaped her understanding of effective educational practices. She has received multiple fellowships and awards for her research, showcasing her contributions to the field. Higgs continues to strive for equitable learning opportunities in the digital age, contributing significantly to academic literature on digital technologies, educational innovation, and teacher education.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

2023-01-01 — Present

University of California, Davis • Davis, CA

Teaching and conducting research in the School of Education with a focus on language, literacy, and digital technologies.

Assistant Professor

2018-01-01 — 2023-01-01

University of California, Davis • Davis, CA

Supported students' literacy development while contributing to educational research focusing on digital literacy.

Awards

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National Academy Education/Spencer Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Division K Outstanding Dissertation Award

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National Academy Education/Spencer Foundation Dissertation Fellowship

Requirements for University of California, Davis

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:80
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field ECS 120 (Theory of Computation) ECS 122A (Algorithm Design and Analysis) ECS 140A (Programming Languages) or ECS 160 (Software Engineering) ECS 150 (Operating Systems) or ECS 154B (Computer Architecture)
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Personal History Statement
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science. GRE is NOT required.