School of Computing Science
Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science at 天美mv天美 Computing Science
February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a global observance recognizing the critical contributions of women and girls to science and technology. Established by the United Nations General Assembly, the day highlights the importance of advancing gender equity through inclusive participation, equitable access, and the integration of diverse perspectives in scientific research and innovation.
In recognition of this day, we are pleased to highlight some of our women in computing science whose research, leadership, and scholarly contributions are advancing the field, addressing systemic gender disparities, and strengthening academic and research excellence at 天美mv天美 and beyond.
SiQi Zhou, Assistant Professor
鈥淚 have worked in environments, and within a field, where diversity is genuinely embraced. I see diversity as a catalyst that brings together complementary skills and perspectives to advance shared goals. From brainstorming scientific ideas to collaborating across different scales, leveraging these strengths leads to more effective work and outcomes that no single perspective could achieve alone.鈥�
Marzena Karpinska, Assistant Professor
鈥淪ome of my most memorable moments include the first time my research results finally made sense, watching students grow in the classroom and through research projects, and working with patient, supportive advisors. Together, these experiences confirmed my desire to teach and conduct research at a university while helping shape the next generation of scientists.鈥�
Ouldooz Baghban Karimi, Senior Lecturer & Rajan Family Scholar
鈥淔inding my people has been transformative鈥攂eing in spaces where I was given opportunities, believed in, supported, and connected to the right people and resources to do meaningful but challenging work. At 天美mv天美 CS, my efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion were affirmed through roles like Chair of the Diversity Committee and being named a Rajan Family Scholar. These experiences showed me that equity work in technology education is both valued and supported."
Angel Chang, Associate Professor & Canada CIFAR AI Chair
"I realized that I was limited by not having well-known female role models to look up to. Most of the famous computer scientists I learned about were not people I could directly relate to, which limited my imagination of what I could potentially do. Perhaps due to that, I never really imagined being a professor and teaching computer science.鈥�
Parmit Chilana, Associate Professor & Ebco/Eppich Chair
鈥淭his is the best time to pursue a career in computer science, perhaps more than ever before. The field can really benefit from different perspectives, especially those of women and minorities who have been underrepresented in computer science for a very long time.鈥�