Sharon Mason

Sharon Mason is a Professor and Director of the School of Information at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), affiliated with the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. She has been faculty since 1997, focusing on promoting success for underrepresented groups in STEM, particularly through growth mindset initiatives and collaborative learning strategies.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science, Ithaca College
• Master of Science, Rochester Institute of Technology
• Doctor of Philosophy, University at Buffalo

Research & Impact: Dr. Mason's work emphasizes faculty development and student retention, particularly for marginalized populations. Her research investigates classroom dynamics, career navigation for women in STEM, and institutional transformation. She has secured over $5M in grants, including NSF S-STEM and ADVANCE grants, and authored over 25 peer-reviewed articles.

Grants & Awards:

• NSF S-STEM Grant (2020): ENGAgE program enhancing growth-mindset academic experiences for low-income computing students.
• NSF ADVANCE Grant (2012): CONNECT initiative increasing women STEM faculty representation.
• Department of Defense IASP Awards: Supporting cybersecurity graduate students.

Leadership: Founded RIT's Women in Computing (WIC) program, co-chaired the NY Regional Women in Computing Conference, and served on NCWIT's Academic Alliance Committee. Managed scholarship distribution and student conflict resolution as GCCIS Faculty Associate.

Advocacy: Presented nationally on technical career outreach for women, advised on recruitment/retention strategies, and contributed to GCCIS program assessments.