The NCWIT research and evaluation team is comprised of individuals with doctorates in a variety of fields, including education, sociology, communications, and psychology. This team contributes to the NCWIT mission by creating research-based resources to spread awareness and increase motivation for systemic change, by translating existing research into actionable practices, and by conducting original research and evaluation.
Brad McLain, Ph.D.
Dr. Brad McLain is a social scientist interested in the nature and psychology of identity development, learning, and leadership. He is the Director of the
Brittany Holmes
Brittany brings many years of software implementation and project management experience to the team. As Workforce Alliance and Research Team Coordination Consultant for NCWIT, Brittany
Catherine Ashcraft, Ph.D.
Catherine Ashcraft is a Senior Research Scientist with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research
Christopher Lynnly Hovey
Dr. Christopher Lynnly Hovey is a research scientist for the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and a research associate in the Department
Gretchen Achenbach, Ph.D.
Dr. Gretchen Achenbach is a Research Scientist at NCWIT, where she works with NCWIT’s Higher Education programs and creates research-based informational resources. Dr. Achenbach earned
Jamie Huber Ward, Ph.D.
Jamie Huber Ward is a social scientist and project director with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) at the University of Colorado
JeffriAnne Wilder, Ph.D.
Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder is a sociologist and leading scholar specializing in diversity, race relations and women’s empowerment. JeffriAnne works as research faculty at the University of
Lecia Barker, Ph.D.
Lecia Barker is an NCWIT Senior Research Scientist and is an Associate Professor of Information Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder. In this
Lyn Swackhamer, Ph.D.
Lyn Swackhamer is the Director of Aspirations Evaluation with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her
Sarah Blithe, Ph.D.
Dr. Sarah Blithe is a Research Scientist with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research
Sherri L. Sanders, Ph.D.
Sherri Sanders serves as the Director of Higher Education Initiatives and BridgeUP STEM and a Senior Research Associate with the National Center for Women &
Tim Faiella
Tim Faiella is the Content Director for the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) at the University of Colorado Boulder. He works to develop
Valerie Williams, Ph.D.
Valerie L. Williams, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Scientist and Evaluator at the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), where she leads and
Wendy DuBow, Ph.D.
Wendy DuBow is a Senior Research Scientist and the Director of Evaluation at NCWIT. In her multi-faceted role, Dr. DuBow conducts primary research, creates practical
Zhen Wu, Ph.D.
Dr. Zhen Wu is a research scientist with the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) at the University of Colorado Boulder. She conducts
Organizations can join the Academic Alliance to benefit from an exclusive invitation to the annual NCWIT Summit, guidance in applying research-based strategies for creating inclusion, and more. Through the Academic Alliance, mobilize year round alongside faculty, staff, administrators, department heads, and other mentors nationwide working together to create lasting impact.
Individuals can also volunteer through NCWIT outreach and recognition programs. Recognize students for their computing aspirations, honor faculty for their outstanding mentorship, recruit at virtual career fairs and student-focused conferences, and more.
Organizations can join the Academic Alliance to benefit from an exclusive invitation to the annual NCWIT Summit, guidance in applying research-based strategies for creating inclusion, and more. Through the Academic Alliance, mobilize year round alongside faculty, staff, administrators, department heads, and other mentors nationwide working together to create lasting impact.
Individuals can also volunteer through NCWIT outreach and recognition programs. Recognize students for their computing aspirations, honor faculty for their outstanding mentorship, recruit at virtual career fairs and student-focused conferences, and more.