For those interested in boosting female participation in science and technology, next week is an opportunity to hear from one of the leading voices in this area, who also is working closely with the 91探花on two efforts to increase female representation at the undergraduate and faculty levels.
, professor of computer science and president of Harvey Mudd College, will speak Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 3:30 p.m. in the atrium of the UW’s Paul Allen Center for Computer Science and Engineering. Her talk, “,” will explore how her institution began an effort in 2006 that quadrupled its female representation in computer science majors to 40 percent 鈥� the same percentage as the Harvey Mudd student body.
“She’s a triple-threat: a leader of the national academic community, a leader in computer science, and a leader in broadening participation in our field,” said lecture host Ed Lazowska, a 91探花professor of computer science and engineering.
Klawe will speak as part of the department’s , which later this fall hosts Brad Smith, the leading legal counsel at Microsoft Corp., and Susan Athey, a machine-learning and economics researcher at Stanford University.
This weekend Klawe also will speak at the third , a national program based at the 91探花that helps women who hold doctorates in science or technology and work in the industry make the transition to faculty positions.
“ is very excited to welcome Maria Klawe as the lead speaker at our On-Ramps into Academia workshop,” said Eve Riskin, associate dean of engineering and director of the UW’s Advance Center for Institutional Change, which launched the program. (Read a previous about On-Ramps.)
“Maria started her career at IBM and successfully transitioned to an academic career from there, so she is a great role model,” Riskin said. “More importantly, she is one of the most active and passionate people working for gender equality in science, technology, engineering and math fields.”
Riskin is the UW’s contact for , an online mentoring program that Klawe launched this fall. The 91探花was among the first institutions to join the six-week mentoring program that began Oct. 1.
Women in Technology Sharing Online, or WitsOn, aims to connect female undergraduates with faculty and industry mentors to discuss careers, personal life and other topics. Faculty mentors from the 91探花include , associate professor of biology; , professor of ecology and environmental studies; , associate professor of materials science and engineering; and , assistant professor of biology. Students and faculty can still register for the program .
“It’s a thriving online community where young women in science, technology, engineering and math can ask questions in a safe environment and receive advice from many different mentors,” Riskin said. “ 91探花is proud to provide both mentors and students to this community.”