Carol Frieze is a prominent figure in the field of computer science and a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. As the director of Women@SCS and SCS4ALL professional organizations at Carnegie Mellon University, she has played a crucial role in attracting and retaining women in computing.
Frieze’s journey in academia began with her studies in English literature at the University of London. However, her passion for cultural studies led her to Carnegie Mellon, where she earned her Ph.D. in Cultural Studies in Computer Science. Her 2007 dissertation, supervised by Lenore Blum, focused on the critical role of culture and environment in influencing women’s participation in computer science.
Before joining the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon, Frieze taught at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital School in England and in the English department at her alma mater. Her experience in these diverse educational settings allowed her to witness firsthand the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields.
One of the significant initiatives led by Frieze is Women@SCS, which aims to level the playing field and ensure that women have equal access to social, networking, mentoring, and professional opportunities. By addressing the underlying cultural factors that hinder women’s participation in computing, Frieze and her team have successfully increased the representation of women in the computer science major at Carnegie Mellon.
In addition to her work with Women@SCS, Frieze is also involved in BiasBusters@CMU, an academic program that focuses on diversity and inclusion. Through this program, Frieze aims to raise awareness of bias and mitigate its harmful effects on campus.
Frieze’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity is further exemplified by her co-authorship of the book Kicking Butt in Computer Science: Women in Computing at Carnegie Mellon University. This book highlights the successful efforts made by Carnegie Mellon to attract and retain female students in the computer science major by fostering an inclusive culture.
Furthermore, Frieze and Jeria Quesenberry co-edited the book Cracking the Digital Ceiling: Women in Computing Around the World, published by Cambridge University Press in 2020. This groundbreaking collection of global perspectives challenges the assumption that men are more suited to computing fields than women. By examining various cultures from all continents, the book highlights the impact of cultural and environmental factors on women’s participation in computing.
Frieze’s contributions to the field of computer science and her advocacy for gender equality have not gone unnoticed. She has received several awards, including the prestigious A. Nico Habermann Award from the Computing Research Association and the AccessComputing Capacity Building Award. These awards recognize her outstanding efforts in advancing women’s participation in computing and promoting inclusive practices in the field.
Overall, Carol Frieze’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment in computing has made a significant impact on the field. Through her leadership and research, she continues to inspire future generations of women to pursue careers in STEM and work towards bridging the gender gap in technology.