About+Your+Instructor

Educational Work
Dr. Chris Bracken, Mathematics and Computer Science teacher, comes into the classroom of the accelerated sixth grade class at every day to teach the basics of the Computer Science, as well as a general overview of the Computer Science application, Computer Science Vocabulary, Computer architecture, use in alternate energy, and job opportunities.

 Additionally, Dr. Bracken also reviews Pre-Algebra concepts with the accelerated grade 6 class, and plans to end the year with some Algebra 1 concepts, as well as introducing the notation of a Calculus based course, such as the integral symbol, the derivative, and the limit notations. Also, Dr. Bracken reviews concepts from a created syllabus approved by the University of Pittsburgh.

A Pittsburgh resident, he enjoys the area’s growth in Medical Research and Technology, which makes him strive to "give an education based on that mindset. Everyone should understand that these fields are very important, no matter through mathematics, engineering, or technology."

**Credentials**

Bracken, a PRSD grad, is teaching AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, and Honors Algebra 2 at the High School. He holds a doctorate of philosophy in Computer Engineering, a masters degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, and an bachelor's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Bracken graduated from Pine Richland High School in 1999. From there he went on to study Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, earning a bachelor’s degree and a minor in Computer Science in 2003.

Furthering his education, Dr. Bracken earned a master’s degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh in 2005 along with University of Pittsburgh Bachelors Degree and a certification in mathematics and computer science education in 2005. In 2005, Dr. Bracken was offered and accepted a full-time position in the Mathematics Department at Pine Richland High School.

In 2007, Dr. Bracken became the head of department of Pine Richland’s Mathematics Department. In 2008, Dr. Bracken became part of the department of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, holding a position of assistant professor, which he remains to hold the same position in graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2009, Dr. Bracken received his Doctorate in Computer Engineering and his master’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Aside from working for Pine Richland High School, Dr. Bracken teaches night classes of Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as being part of the Petersen Institute of NanoScience and Engineering. Also, Dr. Bracken works at Google Pittsburgh and part-time position at Westinghouse Nuclear Power in Cranberry, PA.

Currently, Dr. Bracken is working on receiving his master's degree in Education and a bachelor's degree in Economics through PittOnline, an online system of the University of Pittsburgh and a certificate in Nuclear Engineering on the campus.