Diana Saldaña Jimenez

Diana Saldaña is an assistant professor of practice in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Arizona. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, a master's degree in computer science, and a doctorate in computer science.
Saldaña joined the University of Arizona in 2019 as a faculty member in the College of Applied Science and Technology, where she taught a range of courses in applied computing and computer science. Her commitment to teaching and student mentorship has contributed to the development of strong foundational skills in programming, systems design and applied technologies.
In her current role within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Saldaña contributes to the continued growth of the department's computing and software engineering curriculum. She is dedicated to fostering student success through experiential learning, industry-aligned instruction and the promotion of an inclusive and supportive academic environment.
Degrees
- BS Computer Engineering, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (UABC)
- MS Computer Science, Universidad Autonoma de Baja California (UABC)
- PhD Computer Science Education, Universidad de Tijuana (CUT)
Licensure & Certification
- SCRUM Master Accredited Certification, International SCRUM Institute, 2022
Teaching Interests
Software requirements, algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence and programming
Awards
- Faculty Research Fellow, MA{VR}X Lab, Fall 2021
Presentations/Selected Publications
- Saldana, D., "Industry & Education Information Speed Sessions." Desert Southwest Engineering & Technology Symposium I, August 12, 2021. Virtual.
- Saldana, D., "How to program a robot." Gadsden Teacher Training hosted by The University of Arizona in Yuma, May 2021.
- Saldana, D., Straight, R., & Wittman, R. "Teams-Work Makes the Dream Work: Using Microsoft Teams to Build Community in Fully Online Programs." 2021 OLC Innovate. Virtual.
- Saldana, D., "Using Data Science in Agriculture." 2020 Latino Farmer Symposium, Yuma, Arizona, February 2020.
- Saldana, D., "El Rol de la educación en la 4ta Revolución Industrial: Experiencias de la Universidad de Arizona" XII Congreso Internacional de Ciencias Económico Administrativas Escala 2019. Instituto Tecnológico de Mexicali, October, 11 2019. Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.