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 Center for STEM Learning at
Catherine Ashcraft, Ph.D.
Catherine Ashcraft is a Senior Research Scientist with NCWIT at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research focuses on issues related to gender, diversity, and technology; organizational change and curriculum
Christopher Lynnly Hovey, Ph.D.
Dr. Christopher Lynnly Hovey is a research scientist faculty member in NCWIT at the University of Colorado Boulder. Over the last two decades, Dr. Hovey has served in multiple roles,
Jamie Huber Ward, Ph.D.
Jamie Huber Ward is a social scientist and Associate Director of Higher Ed for NCWIT at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research focuses on issues related to organizational change
Joanne Esch, Ph.D.
Dr. Esch is a faculty research associate at NCWIT and the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. At NCWIT, she develops resources to support
Kiersten Ferguson, Ph.D.
S. Kiersten Ferguson is a faculty research associate at NCWIT and the College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her scholarly and teaching interests include
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 role, she helps to build
Lyn Swackhamer, Ph.D.
Lyn Swackhamer is the Director of Aspirations Evaluation and a Co-PI on the Teach Engineering NSF grant at NCWIT which is housed at the University of Colorado Boulder. Her research
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 is in in organizational communication,
Sarayu Sundar, Ph.D.
Dr. Sarayu Sundar serves as a Higher Education Research Associate with NCWIT at the University of Colorado Boulder. In this role, Dr. Sundar focuses on leveraging quantitative and qualitative data
Sharmaine Jackson, Ph.D., JD
Sharmaine Jackson is a social scientist and lawyer who serves as the Strategic Engagement Director for the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). With more than 15 years
Sherri L. Sanders, Ph.D.
Sherri Sanders serves as the Senior Director of External Partnerships and a Senior Research Associate at the University of Colorado Boulder. As senior director of external partnerships, Dr. Sanders collaborates
Tim Faiella
Tim Faiella is the Content Director for the NCWIT at the University of Colorado Boulder. He works to develop a variety of content across all media channels and formats, including
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 supports evaluation efforts throughout the
Wendy DuBow, Ph.D.
Wendy DuBow is a Senior Research Scientist and the Director of Strategies for Education Research & Evaluation at NCWIT. In her multi-faceted role, Dr. DuBow conducts primary research, manages the