Computing PhD Student is finalist in Google Europe Anita Borg Scholarship for Women in Computing

Congratulations to Sara Morrissey, a PhD student in the School of Computing, DCU, who recently became the only Irish finalist in the first Google Europe Anita Borg Scholarship Scheme for Women in Computing.

Following an application process involving essays on her own research and women in computing as well as two phone interviews, Sara was selected from a pool of almost 200 applicants as one of 31 finalists and awarded €1,000 to supplement her research funds for the next academic year. As a finalist, she was also privileged to represent women in computing and technical fields in Ireland at a Finalists’ Retreat held in Google Europe HQ in Zurich where she participated in information and networking sessions.

The award itself commemorates the work of Dr. Anita Borg (1949 - 2003) whose vision for the advancement of technology and her founding of the Institute for Women and Technology led her to become an excellent role model for young women in the field of computing today. This award is open to women in computing across Europe who are dedicated to full-time work in the area of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Informatics or a similarly related field through an MSc or PhD.

Researching the area of Sign Language Machine Translation, Sara is currently coming into the final year of her PhD in the School of Computing and hopes to continue working in this area as well as furthering her interest in the area of women in computing.