First-Hand:History of an ASEE Fellow - Donna Reese
History of an ASEE Fellow
Donna Reese
As of May 2018
Birthplace: Baton Rouge, LA
Birth date: 5/27/1958
Family
Grew up in a military family with a physician father and medical technician mother. Three younger brothers who also went into medicine. Got a degree in CS and married an Electrical Engineer. Two engineering sons.
Education
Switched from Chemical Engineering to Computer Science after and intro course in engineering that taught Fortran. BS from Louisiana Tech, MS and PhD from Texas A&M, all in CS.
Employment
Mississippi State University, 1992-2017
- Department Head of Computer Science & Engineering, July 2011-July 2017
- Interim Department Head of Computer Science & Engineering, July 2010-June 2011
- Associate Dean for Academics and Administration, April 2005-June 2010
- Interim Associate Dean, July 2004-March 2005
- Professor, 2003-present
- Associate Professor, 1996
- Assistant Professor, 1992
NSF Engineering Research Center, 1990-97
- System Software Thrust Leader
Mississippi State University, 1989-92
- Visiting Assistant Professor
University of Texas, Austin, 1986 87
- Part time Lecturer
Texas A&M University, College Station, 1982-85
- Research Associate
- System Manager
General Dynamics, Fort Worth, TX, 1979-80
- Software Engineer
Research and Scholarship
Originally did CS research in High Performance Computing but after tenure much of my energy went into research in engineering/CS education, particularly recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups.
Philosophy of Engineering Education
Teach in a way that is inclusive to engage students from all different backgrounds. This diverse set of ideas is what makes the best chance for success.
ASEE Activities
Women in Engineering Division: Program Chair (2008-2010), Chair (2010-2012)
Other Professional Activities
Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET: Chair (2017-18); Chair-Elect (2016-17); Vice-Chair Operations (2015-16); Executive Committee Member (2013-15); Member (2010-13)
