Sandhya Dwarkadas, the Walter N. Munster Professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, has been elected to the board of directors of the Computing Research Association. Her term begins July 1, 2023.
The CRA unites industry, academia and government to advance research and education in computing by helping to broaden the scope of research and its impact on society; cultivating strong, diverse talent in the field; and being a trusted source of information for policymakers and the public. The Computing Research Association also promotes an equitable and socially responsible computing research community.
Although newly elected as a director by a vote of the association’s members, Dwarkadas is not new to the board. She was appointed in 2022 to represent the Committee on Widening Participation in Computing Research, known as CRA-WP, which she has served as a board member since 2010 and as co-chair from 2019 to 2022.
Dwarkadas, who throughout her leadership in computer science research and education has been committed to increasing diversity in the field, co-led the CRA-WP Graduate Cohort Workshop for Women for six years, and contributed as a mentor, workshop panelist and speaker.
She also co-managed the CRA-WP’s Anita Borg Early Career Award, named for an early member of CRA-WP for her commitment to increasing the participation of women in computing research.
Dwarkadas continues to serve on CRA-WP’s steering committee and on the CRA Government Affairs Committee.
When asked to put her name on the ballot for a three-year term as an elected CRA board director, Dwarkadas didn’t hesitate.
“Through my work with CRA-WP, as well as my leadership across two universities, I have a keen interest in fostering an inclusive environment throughout the computing research community that is both welcoming and conducive to innovation,” she said. “I hope to continue my role on the Government Affairs Committee as well. Being closer to Washington, I am hoping also to have more interactive participation with CRA.”
Dwarkadas came to UVA Engineering in July 2022 from the University of Rochester, where her tenure included chairing the Department of Computer Science in the Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences for six years. She held the title of Albert Arendt Hopeman Professor of Engineering and professor of computer science with a secondary appointment in electrical and computer engineering.
Dwarkadas received her bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India and her M.S. and Ph.D. from Rice University. She is a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.