“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with leaders from both academia and industry to improve the national climate for computing progress by influencing national computing research and education policy,” says Rheingans.

She was one of ten people selected to fill four academic openings for the CRA Board of Directors. Rheingans will serve in this role for three years, beginning in July 2016.

“I look forward to being able to advocate for practical research to address societal needs, educational foundations to build capacity for innovation, and increased diversity to strengthen our research community,” she says.

CWIT works to develop programs that increase the interest, representation, and retention of women in technology and engineering programs. As the director of CWIT, Rheingans oversees the scholars program for undergraduate students who are committed to increasing gender diversity within technology fields.

The CRA is composed of more than 220 groups across academia, government, and industry in North America. The goal of the CRA is to enhance innovation by supporting collaboration to strengthen research and advanced education in computing.

For more information about CRA, visit their website.

Image: Penny Rheingans talks with a student during a CWIT event. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.