NRC Doctoral Rankings and Computer Science

On September 28, 2010, In Misc., R&D in the Press, Research, By Peter Harsha

The National Research Council today released its long-awaited, long-delayed evaluations of U.S. doctoral programs in 62 different disciplines. The Computing Research Association released the following statement regarding the evaluation:

As an organization representing more than 200 academic departments of computer science, computer engineering, and related fields, CRA commends the National Research Council for undertaking its extensive and statistically novel evaluation of doctoral programs at U.S. universities and colleges nationwide.

However, CRA has serious concerns about the accuracy and consistency of the data being used in the evaluation of the Computer Science discipline.

CRA has identified a number of instances in which data were reported under different assumptions by institutions, leading to inconsistent interpretation of the associated statistical factors.

CRA has further identified a number of instances where the data is demonstrably incorrect – sometimes very substantially – or incorrectly measures the intended component.

CRA is pleased that the NRC acknowledges there are errors in the data used to evaluate computer science departments and that, in the words of NRC Study Director Charlotte Kuh, “There’s lots more we need to look at for computer science before we really get it right.”

CRA will continue to work closely with its member departments and the NRC to help correct these errors and determine more suitable data sources for the evaluation.

About CRA. The Computing Research Association seeks to strengthen research and advanced education in computing and allied fields. It does this by working to influence policy that impacts computing research, encouraging the development of human resources, contributing to the cohesiveness of the professional community and collecting and disseminating information about the importance and the state of computing research. For more, see http://cra.org.

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Turing Award Recipient Announced

On March 10, 2009, In Diversity in Computing, Misc., People, By MelissaNorr

Barbara Liskov, a professor at MIT, has received the 2008 A.M. Turing Award from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for her work in the design of computer programming languages. Liskov is only the second woman to receive the Turing Award and she was the first woman to earn a computer science PhD. The A.M. Turing Award was first presented in 1966 and was named for British mathematician Alan M. Turing, is widely considered the “Nobel Prize in Computing.” It carries a $250,000 prize, with financial support from Intel Corporation and Google Inc.
A press release from MIT quoted Provost L. Rafael Reif saying, “Barbara Liskov pioneered some of the most important advances in fundamental computer science. Her exceptional achievements have leapt from the halls of academia to transform daily life around the world. Every time you exchange e-mail with a friend, check your bank statement online or run a Google search, you are riding the momentum of her research.”
The full citation for the A.M. Turing Award states:

Barbara Liskov has led important developments in computing by creating and implementing programming languages, operating systems, and innovative systems designs that have advanced the state of the art of data abstraction, modularity, fault tolerance, persistence, and distributed computing systems.
The Venus operating system was an early example of principled operating system design. The CLU programming language was one of the earliest and most complete programming languages based on modules formed from abstract data types and incorporating unique intertwining of both early and late binding mechanisms. ARGUS extended many of the CLU ideas to distributed programming, and incorporated the first versions of nested transactions to maintain predictable consistencies. Other advances include solutions elegantly combining theory and pragmatics in the areas of decentralized information flow, replicated storage and caching of persistent objects, and modular upgrading of distributed systems. Her contributions have been incorporated into the practice of programming, thereby influencing many of the most important systems used today: for programming, specification, systems design, and distributed architectures.

In addition to her research, Liskov is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and ACM, a member of the National Academy of Engineering and IEEE. She won the 1996 Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers and has served on a wide variety of interest groups and advisory committees.

 
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CRA Wants You!

On January 22, 2009, In CRA, Misc., By MelissaNorr

Forgive the CRA-centric content, but we’re looking to fill a new position here at CRA World Headquarters. Here’s the official announcement:

The Computing Research Association works to strengthen research and advanced education in the computing fields, expand opportunities for women and minorities, and improve public and policy maker understanding of the importance of computing and computing research in our society. CRA is a non-profit association of over 250 members.
CRA is seeking an Executive Assistant to perform a wide variety of administrative support duties from routine to complex. While the Executive Assistant will work with all other staff members, the employee will report directly to the Executive Director. Major duties include: monitoring grants to ensure timely processing of invoices and submission of reports; monitoring websites to ensure full and accurate information; processing and monitoring reimbursements for a wide range of activities; processing membership invoices and payments; organizing, scheduling and coordinating program activities, meetings and travel arrangements; serving as a point of contact for program participants and volunteers; gathering and maintaining program data and budget information; assisting with advertising/promotion of the various activities of the organization; monitoring staff benefits such as health care.
Job Requirements: progressive experience in an administrative position (non-profit/academic experience is a plus); excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures; excellent organization skills with attention to detail; excellent computer skills with experience using MS Office applications; ability to function as a team player; well organized and able to meet deadlines and work well under pressure; ability to work without direct supervision while performing at a high level.
The position requires someone with a proven track record in:
1) assuming responsibility;
2) taking the initiative;
3) following up on outstanding tasks;
4) demonstrating reliability;
5) performing tasks in a timely manner;and
6) taking ownership of responsibilities.
For further information about CRA, see our website www.cra.org.
To apply, send your resume to employment@cra.org. The position will fill when a suitable candidate is found.

CRA’s a great place to work with a friendly staff, a highly-engaged and prominent board, and an increasing presence in Washington. So, if you think this position sounds like a perfect fit for you or someone you know, please take a few minutes to respond or pass it along.

 
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