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Kyla McMullen: The First Black Woman to Graduate With a PhD in Computer Science at Univ. of Michigan

“Bittersweet” is what Kyla described her feelings about her new title

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Kyla McMullen: The First Black Woman to Graduate With a PhD in Computer Science at Univ. of Michigan

Dr. Kyla McMullen is the first African American woman to graduate with a PhD in computer science at the University of Michigan.

“Bittersweet” is what Kyla described her feelings about her new title.

Dr. McMullen said it felt gratifying to have the distinction of being the first African-American at the Univ. of Michigan to receive a doctorate in computer science, but it also reminds her of a sad reality. There aren’t many people of color pursuing advanced degrees in computer science.

Out of the more than 1,400 Americans who received PhD’s in computer science from 2010 to 2011, less than a quarter were female, and a mere 1.2 percent – 16 people – were African-American, according to the latest Computing Research Association Taulbee Survey.

Dr. Kyla McMullen always had a passion for computers and nurtured it since she was in high school. Fortunately, the high school she attended had a special computer science track program. This meant exposure to a curriculum that most high schools lack, and the opportunity to take courses in computer programming and engineering early on.

If it were not for the advice of a guidance counselor — who’d recommended that she apply for UMBC’s Meyerhoff Program — she probably wouldn’t have considered acquiring a PhD. in the field. “It was an excellent opportunity,” says McMullen of the program. Interesting enough one of her two study buddies, Nwokedi Ibika, is coincidentally the first African-American to get a PhD. in computer science from Perdue University.

Seen at : http://www.YourBlackWorld.net


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Unheard Voices is an award-winning news magazine that started in 2004 as a local Black newsletter in the Asbury Park, Neptune, and Long Branch, NJ areas to now broaden into a recognized Black online media outlet. They are the recipient of the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and CV Magazine's Innovator Award for Best Social Justice Communications Company.

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2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. UV Fan

    January 10, 2013 at 9:53 pm

    Congratulations! Yes, we definitely need more people going for advance degrees in Computer Science.

  2. Chantay Legacy Leonard

    January 17, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Excellent!

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Culture

‘A Different World’ cast set to reunite for 10-City HBCU tour

The tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by stops in Washington DC, Montgomery, Alabama and more.

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A Different World tour

In celebration of the sitcom’s 35+ year legacy, the cast of ‘A Different World’ will reunite for a national 10-city tour across HBCUs, reports PEOPLE.

A Different World HBCU tour

Darryl M. Bell (Ronald ‘Ron’ Johnson), Charnele Brown (Kimberly ‘Kim’ Reese), Jasmine Guy (Whitley Marion Gilbert Wayne), Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Cleophus Wayne), Dawnn Lewis (Jaleesa Vinson Taylor), Cree Summer (Winifred ‘Freddie’ Brooks), Glynn Turman (Col. Bradford ‘Brad’ Taylor) and Sinbad (Walter Oakes) will participate on the tour.

The tour will feature panels and other events and will also be joined by producers Debbie Allen and Susan Fales.

Dates

The HBCU tour will kick off Feb. 29 in Georgia at Atlanta University Center, which include Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College.

Other locations include Washington, D.C. (hosted by Howard University) and Montgomery, Ala. (hosted by Alabama State University and Tuskegee University). Both will be in April but no date has been released yet.

More dates will be announced soon.


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Education

Spelman College receives $100 million donation, the highest in the college’s history

Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.

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Spelman $100 million
Spelman College historic maker (Creative Commons 4.0 Wikimedia Commons)

Spelman College has received its largest donation of $100 million from businesswoman and philanthropist Ronda Stryker and her husband, William Johnston, the chairman of Greenleaf Trust.

$100 million donation for Spelman is a blessing

The $100 million comes as the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women celebrates 100 years since its official name change from Spelman Baptist Seminary in Sept. 1924.

The college says the gift will help retain the best and brightest students by eliminating financial barriers during the admission process.

“We are invigorated and inspired by this incredible act of generosity,” said Dr. Helene Gayle, president of Spelman College during an interview on CBS Mornings.

“This gift is a critical step in our school’s mission to eliminate financial barriers to starting and finishing a Spelman education. We can’t thank Ronda Stryker enough for her selflessness and support as both a trustee and friend. There’s no doubt that Spelman College is better because of her.”

Spelman is Top ranked

Spelman College has been ranked as the #1 Historically Black College and / or University by U.S. News for 17 consecutive years.

The college has a variety of degree/major offerings but they produce the most graduates who pursue a PhD in science, technology, engineering or math, according to The National Science Foundation.

About Ronda Stryker

Ronda Stryker is an American billionaire heiress and granddaughter of Homer Stryker, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of Stryker Corporation.


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Education

Maryland principal accused of making racist and antisemitic comments

A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.

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Maryland principal racist comments Pikesville High
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A Maryland principal is in hot water over an audio recording that has been making rounds on social media containing racist and antisemitic comments.

Maryland principal accused of making racist comments

In it, a person purported to be Pikesville’s High School principal, can be heard making disparaging comments about the test scores of African American students.

The person on the recording then makes an offensive comment about an African American staff member at the school and members of the Pikesville Jewish community.

Is the audio real?

There is an investigation into the validity of the recording. Some officials believe the audio is fake and is A.I. constructed. Baltimore County schools said they are taking the matter seriously.

Statement from school district

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued a statement in response.

“Hate, discrimination, and prejudice have no place in our community — especially in our schools. The statements being circulated are abhorrent, and my administration is providing our full support to BCPS as they conduct as they conduct a thorough investigation. Following the conclusion of this investigation, I know swift action will be taken to hold those involved accountable.”


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