INDIVIDUAL: Nomination of Dr. Karen Panetta for Innovations in Engineering Education Mentoring for Attracting and Retaining Women in Engineering through her Nerd Girls Program

Tufts University, Medford MA

Investigators

Abstract

Dr. Karen Panetta, a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is dedicated to inspiring youth to pursue engineering and science careers and to dispelling negative stereotypes about women engineers. She has personally mentored 16 classes of women and members of other groups underrepresented in engineering through her Tufts University Nerd Girls program. In this program, Dr. Panetta helps students build confidence in their research skills by engaging them in real-world projects that serve humanity. Ninety-eight percent of all students graduating from Dr. Panetta's program pursue a graduate degree within three years of receiving their undergraduate degree in engineering.