Danial Nijhout-Rowe

Instructor of Computer Science

Durham

Joined NCSSM in February 2025

Danial Nijhout-Rowe joined NCSSM in the Spring of 2025 as an Instructor of Computer Science on our Durham campus. Before transitioning to teaching high school math and computer science in 2007, he worked in biomedical physics research, focusing on developing fast algorithms for modeling near-field photon scattering using an in-house Beowulf cluster. This work shaped his belief that computer science and mathematics are tools for solving real-world problems, a perspective he incorporates into his teaching. Danial has also worked extensively with the Friday Institute and Code.org to train teachers and make computer science available to students throughout the state. He earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics at East Carolina University, and his Master of Arts in Teaching at Duke University. Danial is a husband, father, tinkerer and a lifelong music enthusiast. He was music director at his college radio station and DJed at a weekly event called “Dance Music for Nerds.” He plays board games with his family; watches dated, nerdy cartoons; and occasionally skateboards with his son though he also enjoys snowboarding and has found that to be a much less painful hobby.

BS, Mathematics and Physics, East Carolina University
MAT, Concentrating in Mathematics & Physics, Duke University