Anita Sarma

Anita Sarma is a Professor at Oregon State University's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. She co-directs the GenderMag project and leads research integrating AI, cognitive science, and human-computer interaction to improve software development efficiency and inclusivity. Her work spans open-source software communities, gender-inclusive tools, and developer productivity.

Her research leverages theories like Information Foraging Theory and Transactive Memory Systems to design AI-infused tools that reduce biases and improve collaboration. She focuses on end-user programmers (e.g., data scientists) and professional developers.

• PhD in Computer Science, University of California, Irvine
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Carnegie Mellon University

Recent work analyzes generative AI's impact on open-source communities, inclusivity bugs in software, and diversity metrics. Her projects include gamified environments for student contributions and tools for socioeconomic-aware HCI.

Scientific Awards:

• OSU Breaking Barriers Research Award (2021)
• NSF CAREER Award (2013)

She has secured grants for gender-inclusive open-source tools and studies onboarding practices. Her research groups focus on software engineering and human-computer interaction, with a commitment to removing systemic barriers in technology.