The University of Waterloo named a professor and longtime advocate for increased female participation in her field as its first-ever director of Women in Computer Science.
In her new role, Joanne Atlee will continue to strive to help women feel comfortable and confident in the field largely dominated by men. She is an expert in model-based software engineering and a professor in the David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science at Waterloo.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S., women filled 26 per cent of professional computing positions in that country in 2014, and the number in Canada is likely similar. With added outreach efforts, Waterloo has seen a gradual increase in female enrolment in that field of study, which now sits at about 25 per cent.
"The participation of women in computer science is low globally, and that is bad for the field because diversity brings a greater variety of ideas and viewpoints to the table," said Professor Atlee. "Half the battle is encouraging girls to learn about computer science when they’re young, and the other half is supporting them once they arrive at university."
In 2007, the school created a standing committee for Women in Computer Science, WICS, which is dedicated to promoting women who are interested in studying computer science and who seek to pursue careers in computing. Waterloo's Women in Engineering supports current female engineers and university students, and encourages the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering. The newly formed Women in Science organization at Waterloo is developing its programming.
"The Faculty of Mathematics is committed to increasing the number of women in mathematics, both generally and specifically in computer science," said Stephen Watt, dean of the Faculty of Mathematics at Waterloo. "I am delighted to welcome Professor Atlee to her new role. The Women in Computer Science initiative is a central element of our strategy and we are fortunate to have Professor Atlee as its leader.”
In May, UWaterloo accepted the UN's invitation to take part in the HeForShe IMPACT 10x10x10 framework to achieving long-term and sustainable gender equity. The University committed to increasing female student participation in STEM experiences, enhance female faculty representation, and attract and advance women in senior positions.
