Careers: Interviews
Dr. Maria Klawe: Distinguished, Celebrated, World-Renowned Computer Scientist, past Dean of Science at the University of British Columbia and current Dean of Engineering and Professor of Computer Science at Princeton University
This week, Stephen Ibaraki, I.S.P., DFNPA, CNP, has an
exclusive audio [MP3] interview with the eminent and celebrated computer
scientist, Dr.
Maria Klawe.
Maria Klawe is currently Dean of Engineering and a professor
of Computer Science at Princeton University. She moved to Princeton in January
2003 from the University of British Columbia where she served as Dean of
Science from 1998 to 2002, Vice-President of Student and Academic Services from
1995 to 1998, and Head of the Department of Computer Science from 1988 to 1995.
Prior to UBC, Maria spent eight years with IBM Research in California, and two
years at the University of Toronto. She received her Ph.D. (1977) and B.Sc.
(1973) in Mathematics from the University of Alberta.
Maria has made significant research contributions in several
areas of mathematics and computer science including functional analysis,
discrete mathematics, theoretical computer science, interactive-multimedia for
mathematics education and assistive technology. While at UBC she was the
founder and director of the EGEMS project on the design and use of computer
games in enhancing mathematics education for grades 4 to 9. More recently she
helped found the Aphasia Project, a multidisciplinary project at UBC and
Princeton, investigating how technology can be designed to support individuals
with aphasia in their daily life.
During the decade from 1993 to 2002 EGEMS developed several innovative and
successful prototype games, and did seminal work in identifying important
factors in the design of effective educational software. EGEMS research also
studied the role of gender in technology-based learning environments and
identified significant gender differences in how students interact with computers
and software. This research was extended under the auspices of the NSERC-IBM
Chair for Women in Science and Engineering that Maria held from 1997 to 2002,
and the SWIFT (Supporting Women in Information Technology) project on how to
attract and retain women in information technology careers.
Maria is past President of the Association of Computing
Machinery (ACM) in New York, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Anita Borg
Institute for Women and Technology in Palo Alto, and a Trustee of the Institute
for Pure and Applied Mathematics in Los Angeles and the Mathematical Sciences
Research Institute in Berkeley.
In the past Maria has held leadership positions in the
American Mathematical Society, the Computing Research Association, the Society
for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the Canadian Mathematical Society.
Maria was elected as a Fellow of the Association of Computing Machinery in
1995. Other awards include Vancouver YWCA Women of Distinction Award in Science
and Technology (1997), Wired Woman Pioneer (2001), Canadian New Media Educator
of the Year (2001), BC Science Council Champion of the Year (2001), University
of Alberta Distinguished Alumna (2003), Nico Habermann Award (2004), and
honorary doctorates from Dalhousie University (2005), Queen�s University
(2004), the University of Waterloo (2003), and Ryerson University (2001).
Maria recently presented a talk at the ACM Special Interest Group on Computer Science
Education (SIGCSE) 2005 Symposium focusing on increasing the number of
women majoring in Computer Science.
Interview Overview:
The interview encompasses several major areas:
(a) Maria�s work: at Princeton; her research interests and
significant achievements; the ACM symposium and increasing the numbers of women
in computer science / engineering; and her work with Electronic Games for
Education in Math and Science (EGEMS).
(b) Questions arising from the computer science faculty
summit where Dr. Klawe fielded questions with Bill Gates. Discussion areas
include: declining student enrolment and its implications; funding in computer
science; roles that professional bodies can play in improving the situation.
(c) Maria�s view on the future; China, and India; and future
contributions.
(d) Maria�s personal interests; most useful technology;
passion; and a little bit of fun too!
To listen to the interview, click on this MP3 file link:
http://www.microsoft.com/canada/technet/media/Dr_Maria_Klawe.mp3
To subscribe to Podcasts click here:
Here�s the latest blog on the interview where you can provide your comments in an interactive dialogue. And you can share them with us and Maria too. http://blogs.technet.com/cdnitmanagers/archive/2005/12/02/415464.aspx
We would like to hear your opinions on Maria�s views on IT, the industry, and education.
Interview Time Index (MM:SS) and Topic |
1:03: | | Vision for Princeton |
3:40: | | Where the work is heading |
5:06: | | Research interests such as the Aphasia project |
6:40: | | Most significant events or achievements |
11:31: | | Increasing women in science and engineering |
14:20: | | EGEMS project findings |
17:29: | | Decline in computer science enrollment |
19:53: | | Implications of this decline |
20:14: | | Reversing the decline in student interest |
23:52: | | Decline in funding for computer science |
26.43: | | What can be done? |
27:23: | | Predications for the future and what IT professionals must do to prepare |
29:36: | | China�s progression and their impact |
30:20: | | India�s progression and their impact |
32:05: | | Students from China and India and the implications |
33:28: | | Future contributions to make a difference |
34:50: | | Favorite activities |
35:11: | | Favorite gadget |
35:30: | | Favorite passion outside of work |
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