Dr. Cheryl A. Swanier is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Claflin University. Dr. Swanier conducts research in Human Computer Interaction with an emphasis in visual programming of educational simulations with end user programming and educational gaming technologies. Dr. Swanier works with many programs focused on increasing the computing pipeline by getting students interested in STEM disciplines and future technology careers through her non-profit The SIS Foundation, Inc. that implements the Kewl Girlz Kode project.

Dr. Swanier is a recipient of the 2016 NCWIT Seed Fund Award, 2013 NCWIT Undergraduate Research Mentoring Award, and the 2013 Champion of Change for Tech Inclusion Award given by the White House. She was recognized by Ebony Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans in the December-January 2013-14 issue.

Dr. Swanier works with outreach initiatives to improve computer science education at all levels. One of these initiatives is the ARTSI Alliance, Advancing Robotics, Technology for Societal Impact. Swanier established the first robotics lab at Claflin University. The robotics programming is implemented in Calypso, a robotics application framework in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University. Another initiative is the STARS (Students & Technology in Academia, Research & Service) Alliance a regional partnerships among academia, industry, K-12 and the community to strengthen local BPC programs by focusing on K-12 outreach, community service, student leadership and computing diversity research.