Communications of the ACM
Anne Condon: Computer Scientist. Passionate Academic. Triathlete.
Anne Condon is eager "to find ways to convince women to pursue research careers."
Credit: Grace Hopper
Women were far more well represented in computer science when Anne Condon first decided in high school the subject sounded interesting, despite never having used a computer. Decades of theoretical computer science work later, Condon, who now serves as head of the computer science department at the University of British Columbia, is dedicated to helping young women find their way in the field.
Condon joined the Computing Research Association's Committee on the Status of Women (CRA-W) in 1994 and for three years before her term ended in 2007, she headed a project to encourage undergraduate women to pursue computer science by matching them with research mentors. "Ever since then I've been eager to find ways to convince women to pursue research careers," said Condon. She is continually researching ways to make computer science curricula more accessible and attractive to female students.
Another method for increasing female engagement is creating a supportive campus environment.
This year Condon received the Grace Hopper Celebration Technical Leadership ABIE Award. Condon's true love, however, remains theoretical computer science. "It forces you to think deeply and it's elegant, it's beautiful. I love that kind of work," she says.
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