Acknowledgements

I wish to acknowledge the people and organizations that have made my work possible.

I am extremely grateful to both the National Science Foundation and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for their generous support these past four years. Thanks to the NSFs' GK-12 program, I was able to attend Rensselaer and also travel to Ghana to conduct research in ethnocomputing. In addition, thanks to Renssealaer I have been able to continue toward the completion of my PhD through support as a teaching assistant in the computer science department.

I am extremely grateful to RPI Triple Helix and Dr. Ron Eglash for their generous support during the time that I was a National Science Foundation GK-12 Fellow.

Dr. Ron Eglash

I am extremely grateful to my co-thesis adviser Dr. Ron Eglash, Professor, Department of Science and Technology Studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Without his assistance and patience, my work at RPI would not have been possible.

Dr. Mukkai Krishnamoorthy

I am extremely grateful to my co-thesis adviser Dr. Moorthy, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Without Moorthy, I would not have considered attending RPI. Thank you, Moorthy, for all you have done and continue to do for me and your many students.

Culturally Situated Design Tools

The Culturally Situated Design Tools (CSDTs) were first proposed by Dr. Ron Eglash, and further developed by RPI faculty members Mukkai Krishnamoorthy, Audrey Bennett, and several graduate and undergraduate students. I have been privileged to be part of a committed team in the development of the programmable Culturally Situated Design Tools.

Kente Cloth Simulation

Richard Bonsu played a crucial role in the development of my understanding of Kente Cloth weaving. Richard is a Kente weaver who lives and works in the town of Bonwire, Ghana, West Africa.

Adinkra Simulation

Gabriel Boakye played a crucial role in the development of my understanding of Adinkra stamping. Gabriel is an Adinkra artisan who lives and works in the town of Ntonso, Ghana, West Africa.

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

I am extremely grateful to KNUST for their hospitality during our visits in 2011, 2012 and 2014.