Dr. Sarah Lee is director of the Mississippi Computer & Cybersecurity Equitable Education Space (MSuCEEDS). Lee earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Mississippi University for Women, a Master of Science in Computer Science from Mississippi State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from University of Memphis. MSuCEEDS provides classroom space for K-12 student and teacher educational programs and promotes study of interventions strategies for under-represented groups in computing. An excerpt of the interview with Lee follows:

What career path led to your profession of Director, Mississippi Computer & Cybersecurity Equitable Education Space (MSuCCEEDS)?

As an information technology professional at FedEx Corporation, I began to feel a call to return to academia and, for a sunset career, do my part to inspire young women and other persons traditionally under-represented in computing career paths.

What educational background and/or professional training are essential for this profession?

Computational thinking skills and cybersecurity awareness are necessary for all persons in the digital world. To pursue a career in which you are designing the technology solutions of tomorrow, one should obtain an undergraduate degree in computer science or engineering. Through MSuCCEEDS, we are implementing computer programming ‘academies’ in the state of Mississippi to train high school graduates in a hands-on, vocational educational environment, to be computer programmers.

What influenced you to pursue a career in your profession?

As an undergraduate, I was a pre-vet major. I took a computer class in the early 1980s and was hooked! I enjoy the problem solving aspect of computer systems design.

 What professional, civic or community organization do you belong?

I have always been interested in history. Following that interest, I am a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. I am also an active member of the Golden Triangle Kennel club in support of my daughter’s hobby with her dogs in American Kennel Club competitions. Professionally, I am a member of the American Society of Engineering Education.

What advice do you give to students who desire to pursue a career in computer science or cyber security?

Take as much math and science as you can in high school. Also, find a mentor in college who will support your educational pathway.

Tell me about MSuCCEEDS?

The Mississippi Computing & Cybersecurity Equitable Education Space (MSuCCEEDS) is an outgrowth of the NSF INCLUDES Mississippi Alliance for Women in Computing (MSAWC). MSAWC was formed to engage and help girls and women persist on computing pathways. The “Mississippi Succeeds” space provides an environment through which K-12 student and teacher education is facilitated in addition to undergraduate learning. The space is open 24×7 to female students in computer science and software engineering to encourage study groups and learning cohorts. Female undergraduate tutors use the space to provide free tutoring services to young women in the introductory programming course sequence at Mississippi State University (MSU). Project work driven by the undergraduates, graduate students and faculty in MSuCCEEDS is intended to create equitable pathways for all persons to become computational thinkers and learn computer science and cybersecurity skills. Programs for persons of color and persons with disabilities, in addition to work to promote gender equality in computing pathways, are outcomes of this active work space.

Describe some of the success stories of MSAWC?

Since I started recruiting and retention efforts targeting women in the state of Mississippi, enrollment of women in the Computer Science and Engineering department at MSU has grown from 8% to 15%. MSU and partners continue to offer engagement opportunities for K-12 students throughout the state, including day camps for elementary girls and residential camps for middle and high school students. In addition, we have established a summer bridge program for young women entering computer majors that helps them build a cohort in the summer before they begin their freshman year. Young women who have benefited from these programs have entered MSU as undergraduates and have moved on to computing careers and graduate school.

Who are some of MSAWC partners?

MSAWC partners include the College Options Foundation and InnovateMS. Efforts are underway to bring equitable computer science and cybersecurity education to JROTC students in Mississippi through the College Options partnership. Further workforce development work in the state is underway with InnovateMS.

Dr. Ronald Holmes, Ph.D. is a former teacher, school administrator, test developer and district superintendent. He is the author of 16 books and publisher of The Holmes Education Post, an education focused Internet newspaper. These books include How to Eradicate Hazing; How to Eradicate Cyber Bullying; How to Eradicate Schoolyard Bullying; and How to Eradicate Workplace Bullying. These books serve as a reference guide to an online anti-bullying program that provides training for all students, parents, employees, and managers. These books are also equipped with a 24 hour Web Based Reporting, Tracking, Training and Documentation System that allow individuals to report bullying incidents anonymously from the home, school, work and community.

Click on this link to see a description of all of Dr. Ronald Holmes’ books.