CWIT Community Awards recognize the contributions of exemplary members of our community, increase the visibility of their impact, and inspire others to help further the CWIT mission and uphold the CWIT values. The awardees for 2023 are listed below. They were recognized at the 2023 CWIT Community Awards and Graduate Recognition Ceremony on May 11, 2023.
Student Academic Excellence Awardee: Sianna Serio, CWIT Affiliate | Computer Science, Minor in Applied Linguistics
Eligibility: 2022-2023 CWIT Scholars, Cyber Scholars, Cyber Associates, T-SITE Scholars & CWIT Affiliates
A student who has developed a lifelong love for learning and discovery not only in the classroom, but also through applied learning and co-curricular experiences. Maintains a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA.
Student Professional Excellence Awardee: Shaniah Reece, CWIT Scholar | Information Systems
Eligibility: 2022-2023 CWIT Scholars, Cyber Scholars, Cyber Associates, T-SITE Scholars & CWIT Affiliates
A student who demonstrates the knowledge and tools to effectively navigate their careers and to be change agents in creating technology workplaces that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
Student Inclusive Excellence Awardees : Kelly Palmer, CWIT Scholar | Computer Science & Adam Harper, CWIT Scholar | Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Theater
Eligibility: 2022-2023 CWIT Scholars, Cyber Scholars, Cyber Associates, T-SITE Scholars & CWIT Affiliates.
A student who regularly shares their thoughts and ideas and engages in thoughtful discussion when their ideas differ from others’. They strive to participate and create a community where people across all identities feel included, valued, and heard. The student exhibits bravery and vulnerability among CWIT community members and engages in healthy and inclusive communication.
Student Personal Excellence Awardee: Chizaram Goodness Ugboh, CWIT Scholar | Mechanical Engineering
Eligibility: 2022-2023 CWIT Scholars, Cyber Scholars, Cyber Associates, T-SITE Scholars & CWIT Affiliates.
A student who has learned to become their own advocates and to face difficult situations head-on, while also understanding when and how to seek help. The individual acts with integrity, treats others with dignity and respect, and takes initiative to develop as leaders throughout their time in our programs.
Shining Star Awardee: Danielle Rhoten, CWIT Scholar | Mechanical Engineering
Eligibility: 2022-2023 CWIT Scholars, Cyber Scholars, Cyber Associates, T-SITE Scholars & CWIT Affiliates.
This award recognizes a CWIT community member who has made significant and unique contributions to advancing CWIT’s mission, enhancing the success of CWIT and its students, or strengthening the community.
Exemplary Peer Mentor Awardee: Catherine Wraback, CWIT Scholar | Chemical Engineering
Eligibility: Current Scholars and Affiliates, in the role of a Peer Mentor in 2022-2023 academic year.
The Exemplary Peer Mentor Award is given to a current CWIT Peer Mentor who has demonstrated CWIT’s values, while actively supporting and mentoring their mentee(s).
Exemplary Faculty Mentor Awardee: Dr. Neha B. Raikar, Chemical Engineering Lecturer
Eligibility: Current Faculty Mentor in 2022-2023 academic year.
The Exemplary Faculty Mentor Award is given to a current CWIT Faculty Mentor who has demonstrated CWIT’s values, while actively supporting and mentoring their mentee(s).
Exemplary Industry Mentor Awardee: Emily J. Brown, Assistant Group Supervisor, Analytic Capabilities Group, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Eligibility: Current or past CWIT Industry Mentor.
The Exemplary Industry Mentor Award is given to current or past CWIT Industry Mentor who has demonstrated CWIT’s value of professional excellence, while actively supporting and mentoring their mentee(s) in the area of career development.
Outstanding Campus Partner Awardees: Krista Wallace,Assistant Director, Pre-Transfer Advising & Special Programs & Dr. Maria C. Sanchez, Director of Engineering and Computing Education Program
Eligibility: Any UMBC faculty, staff, or unit that has collaborated with the CWIT staff in 2022-2023.
The Outstanding Campus Partner Award is given to an individual or department who has actively collaborated with the Center for Women in Technology towards the CWIT mission and goals.
Outstanding Research Partner Awardee: Dr. Marc Olano, Associate Professor, CSEE | Associate Dean, COEIT
Eligibility: An individual or unit who has served as a co-principal investigator or collaborative unit on a CWIT educational research project OR any UMBC faculty member who has involved one or more CWIT students in their research.
The Outstanding Research Partner Award is given to an individual or unit who has actively collaborated with the Center for Women in Technology towards the CWIT educational research goals, and/or has involved CWIT student(s) in their own research activities.
Outstanding Alumni Partner Awardee: Kevin Johnson, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation | M.S. Biomedical Systems Engineering, John’s Hopkins University
Eligibility: Alumni of the Center for Women in Technology who have collaborated with the CWIT staff in the 2022-2023 academic year.
The Outstanding Alumni Partner Award is given to a Scholar or Affiliate alumni who has made outstanding contributions in time and talent to the Center for Women in Technology in advancement of the CWIT mission.
Outstanding Professional Volunteer Awardee: Gregory Wessel, Senior Technical Expert in Cyber, Networking and Analytics
Eligibility: A non-UMBC individual who has collaborated with the CWIT staff in 2022-2023.
The Outstanding Professional Volunteer Award is given to a group or individual who has made outstanding contributions in time and talent to the Center for Women in Technology in advancement of the CWIT mission.