“Reflections on a Computer Science Education”

Abstract: In this talk, Christen Shepherd will address her educational experiences in computer science and explain how they have contributed to her current position at the National Security Agency. A self-described "accidental computer scientist," she explains what drew her to the field, how she found her niche, and which topics she wishes she gave more attention as an undergraduate at Dartmouth.  In addition, Christen presents her perspective on women in computer science, offering her ideas for addressing and combating the low number of women who choose to enter this discipline.

Bio: Christen Einsiedler Shepherd '00 is a Computer Scientist at the National Security Agency. She arrived to the Agency three years ago, after earning her M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Tulsa, where her graduate work focused on Information Assurance. As a Dartmouth undergrad, she was a Computer Science major and Women's Studies minor.

WISP Newsletter [PDF]