Boris Valerstein

About Boris

I am a self-taught software developer. Being the son of two computer programmers, I picked up computer science when I was 14 years old. I proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Drexel University, with concentrations in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Software Engineering, and minor degrees in Software Engineering and Communication. In 2016, I received a Master's in Software Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.


I have been a Software Developer at University of Pennsylvania Health System, AWeber, and Vanguard.

I am currently a Technical TDD Coach at Vanguard with a strong emphasis on Agile and Shift Left processes.

I am also a professor of Computer Science, currently at Bucks County Community College, Penn State Abington, and Drexel University.

I am a strong advocate of Test Driven Development (as well as Acceptance Test Driven Development), eXtreme Programming, Agile (Scrum / Kanban), and Shift Left.


My goal is to integrate a TDD course into undergraduate curricula. A large portion of the industry has adopted or is in the process of adopting the TDD paradigm. Very few students come out of their Bachelor's degree programs with the knowledge to excel in such work environments, due to TDD not being taught thoroughly - most curriculum do not mention TDD at all. I have spent years creating a handcrafted course on TDD & XP. I have been honored the opportunity to teach my course on TDD and XP at Penn State Abington and Drexel University.


I have recently discovered Virtual Reality. I own an HTC Vive. I am a passionate advocate of using VR for educational purposes. With the use of VR, educators can use immersion to open a whole new world of opportunity - from space exploration to surgical practice. I am on the Bucks County Community College VR committee responsible for integrating VR into our education.


Teachings:

  • Computer Science 1 at Bucks County Community College (BS)
  • Test Driven Development & eXtreme Programming at Penn State Abington (BS)
  • Test Driven Development & eXtreme Programming at Drexel University (MS)
  • Senior Capstone at Drexel University (MS)

Contact Boris

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