Learn more about Simonne's story and find out what our students are doing.

Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT)

In Their Own Words

Tawny Barin, Information Systems
The support and sense of family from everyone in the CWIT program is incredible. It isn't just on a scholar-to-scholar level, the CWIT staff members have been great resources, providing guidance the entire time I've been here.

At one of CWIT's "Meet the Faculty" luncheons, I met Dr. Anita Komlodi, and she was the first person to expose me to the concepts and experiences of research. She encouraged me to apply for and participate in a National Science Foundation research experience for undergraduates program hosted here last summer focusing on Human-Computer Interaction, a field that basically aims to make technology much more user-friendly. I had the opportunity to work on two projects with Dr. Komlodi, researching cultural implications on the use of information technology—one of which involved a spur of the moment opportunity to travel to Budapest to help set up a usability study involving an online communities component to the International Children's Digital Library.

I've heard about a lot of well-known schools that don't give undergraduates as much attention or opportunities compared to their graduate students, but I feel that UMBC has given me the opportunity to grow more than anywhere else could have as a scholar, athlete and individual during my undergraduate experience. The opportunities, whether in or out of an academic environment, seem endless and give you the chance to leave UMBC as a well-rounded individual.

Penny Rheingans, Interim Director of the CWIT Scholars Program, Associate Professor of
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering
CWIT Scholars join a community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and allies committed to helping scholars achieve their academic and professional goals and to increasing the participation of women in the IT- and engineering-related fields. CWIT Scholars have access to a wide range of programming, including academic success skills training, peer mentoring, community service opportunities, professional development workshops, internships, mentoring from supportive faculty and business leaders and a living-learning floor. CWIT Scholars step into leadership roles by acting as mentors to younger students, speaking about opportunities for women in IT and engineering, advocating for gender equality in technical fields, and living as positive role models.