New SCI Interim Associate Chair to Focus on TA, Faculty Support

Melinda McDaniel, a senior lecturer and Georgia Tech alumna, has been appointed interim associate chair of the School of Computing Instruction (SCI). She succeeds Mary Hudachek-Buswell, who has been named interim chair of SCI.

In this new role, McDaniel (ICS BS 82, MS 86) is committed to supporting the students she teaches and providing additional support to teaching assistants (TAs) and new faculty.

"I started working at Georgia Tech in 2015. Mary and I have worked closely for all these years,” McDaniel said. “I’m honored to take on this role and continue the work we’ve done together.”

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In addition to supporting Hudachek-Buswell, McDaniel’s primary focus is strengthening SCI’s teaching assistant (TA) program, which now includes over 500 TAs who support the administration of computing courses.

McDaniel’s dedication to supporting and nurturing the program stems from her years of experience working with TAs. She will provide support in many areas, such as training and payroll, and address any challenges they might face.

"My classes are good because my TAs are good," McDaniel said. "The best part of my job is working with them and teaching them how to teach. By helping my TAs succeed, I can reach more students and improve the overall teaching experience. It's about creating a solid foundation for them so they can, in turn, support the students effectively."

Before joining Georgia Tech, McDaniel taught high school for 20 years, gaining valuable experience in educational settings that shaped her approach to teaching and mentorship.

McDaniel is passionate about teaching courses that support both non-major and CS-major students. She finds joy in creating accessible and engaging learning environments for all students, fostering a deep understanding of computing concepts even for those not pursuing a career in the field.

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“I had been a chemical engineering major until I took my first coding class,” she said. “I love to teach students that have never coded before and it’s nice teaching non-CS majors how they can use code to help them solve engineering problems.”

McDaniel’s commitment to excellence in teaching has been recognized throughout her career. In 2018, she received the William D. "Bill" Leahy Jr. Outstanding Instructor Award, and in 2024, she received the Monica Sweat Outstanding Lecturer in External Engagement Award. 

In addition to her focus on TAs and the courses she teaches, McDaniel is passionate about mentoring new faculty members. She has informally helped new colleagues get settled into the department and set up their TA programs, but she hopes to formalize this support. 

"I think it’s important to have a more structured approach to help them get up to speed," she said.

As the new interim associate chair, McDaniel’s vision for SCI will contribute to its ongoing success as the school continues to serve thousands of students each year.