CRA Staff
Click on a staff member’s photo below to view their profile.
Jasmine Batten
Research Associate, CERP
jbatten [at] cra.org
Jasmine Batten
Research Associate, CERP
Dr. Jasmine Batten (she/her) is a Research Associate at the CRA’s Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). In her role, she manages the annual Taulbee survey and supports the evaluation of various programs aimed at broadening participation in computing within higher education. Dr. Batten earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 2019 from Florida International University (FIU) and her Ph.D. in Computer Science in 2024 from FIU. Before joining CERP, she was a research assistant in Dr. Monique Ross’s LEARN-CS lab at Florida International University in Miami, FL. During her Ph. D. program, she was awarded the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF), which supported her research endeavors around broadening participation in computing.
Dr. Batten is passionate about improving computing education to support minoritized students in pursuing computing degrees and occupations. Specifically, Dr. Batten’s research interests center on understanding the factors that influence the persistence and retention of female and minoritized students in computing degree programs through mixed-methods research. She is particularly interested in how pedagogical practices and classroom cultures impact students’ sense of belonging in computing at the intersection of gender, race, and ethnicity. Dr. Batten is passionate about improving computing education to support minoritized students in pursuing computing degrees and occupations. Dr. Batten has published in various computing and engineering education conferences in journals during her undergraduate and graduate school years. She has also volunteered as a moderator, judge, and reviewer at several conferences.
In her free time, she enjoys knitting (while watching TV), reading, and practicing yoga.
Nicole Beck
Administrator for Membership and Advertising
nicole [at] cra.org
Nicole Beck
Administrator for Membership and Advertising
Nene Bundu
Administrator for Events Management
nbundu [at] cra.org
Administrator for Events Management
Nene Bundu hails from Sierra Leone with a degree in business administration and over 9 years of experience in the event and hospitality industry. She is beyond excited to be a part of CRA and assist with fulfilling the mission of this organization.
As a dedicated meeting planner, Nene is known for creating seamless and memorable events. Nene specializes in corporate events and combines creativity with meticulous attention to detail to deliver exceptional experiences for clients and attendees. Her career began with planning weddings, social, black tie, and charity events. In the past 5 years, her focus has shifted to corporate, meetings, conferences, seminars, and virtual events. Having coordinated events ranging from intimate corporate meetings to large-scale conferences and conventions, Nene understands the importance of customization and personalization in every event. She thrives on challenges and is committed to ensuring every aspect of an event exceeds expectations, from initial concept to final execution.
Outside of work, Nene enjoys reading, spending time with family, and being involved in community activities. She is dedicated to staying current with industry trends and innovations, with a personal mission to continually enhance her skills and deliver unparalleled services to CRA.
Curtis C. Cain
Director of Broadening Participation in Computing Initiatives
ccain [at] cra.org
Director of Broadening Participation in Computing Initiatives
Dr. Curtis C. Cain serves as the Director of Widening Participation in Computing. He came to CRA from Howard University, where he had been an Associate Professor of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management since 2016. Additionally, he held the position of Affiliate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Dr. Cain’s research primarily focuses on computing career participation among marginalized groups, with an emphasis on Black students and professionals. He has authored over two dozen journal manuscripts and conference papers. Given his varied background and work experiences, Dr. Cain uniquely bridges the often overlapping disciplines of computer science, information systems, and information science.
Dr. Cain has been honored with the esteemed National Science Foundation CAREER award and the Graduation Research Fellowship. Furthermore, he has been a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI on projects that amassed over $12 million in external research funding.
He is also a recipient of the Citizens and Scholars Course Hero Fellowship, regarded as a “genius grant” for exemplary teachers. This award recognizes a balance between scholarly brilliance and a devotion to innovative teaching methodologies, fostering a heightened level of student engagement both inside and outside the classroom. Dr. Cain served as an inaugural instructor for the Howard West Program, subsequently known as Tech Exchange, at Google. In this role, he taught software engineering to HBCU students at Google’s Mountain View Headquarters. He later joined Google’s Faculty-in-Residence program, which champions educators in pioneering inclusive curriculum design, with a special focus on project-based learning.
A proud HBCU alumnus, Dr. Cain obtained his B.S. in Information Systems Engineering from Johnson C. Smith University. He later received his M.S. in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Auburn University and his Ph.D. in Information Sciences and Technology from Pennsylvania State University.
Tracy Camp
Executive Director and CEO, CRA
camp [at] cra.org
202-266-2949
Tracy Camp
Executive Director and CEO, CRA
Dr. Tracy Camp is the CRA Executive Director and CEO. Camp joins CRA from Colorado School of Mines, where she was a member of the faculty since 1998, and department head of Computer Science at Mines since 2016. Camp’s research interests are in wireless networking. She is most known for improving the credibility of wireless networking simulation studies. More than 4,000 researchers in 88 countries/regions have downloaded at least one of the 12 software packages developed by her research group (as of June 2021) and her research articles have been cited 14,794 times (per Google Scholar, as of June 2021).
Camp has received over 20 grants from the National Science Foundation, including a prestigious CAREER award. In total, her projects have received over $25 million dollars in external funding.
Dr. Camp is both an ACM Fellow and an IEEE Fellow. She was a Fulbright Scholar in New Zealand in 2006, a Distinguished Visitor at the University of Bonn, Germany, in 2010, and an ACM Distinguished Speaker from 2006 to 2015. She earned her B.A. in mathematics at Kalamazoo College, M.S. in computer science from Michigan State University, and Ph.D. in computer science from the College of William and Mary.
Burçin Campbell
Director of Data and Evaluation
burcin [at] cra.org
202-266-2935
Burçin Campbell
Director, CERP
Burçin Campbell is the Director of Data and Evaluation. She joined CRA as a Research Scientist at CERP in May 2015 and has been Director since April 2018. Burçin is responsible for overall operations and manages CERP’s data resources and infrastructure as well as analysis activities. Her work provides social science support to the computing community’s efforts for broadening participation.
Ashley Crnkovich
Grants Specialist
ashley [at] cra.org
Ashley Crnkovich
Grants Specialist
Ashley Crnkovich is a Grants Specialist for the Computing Research Association. Within the Contracts & Grants Administration team, she is responsible for grants administration of CRA’s funded initiatives. She joins CRA with about seven years of experience of pre and post award management at the International Computer Science Institute.
After nearly a decade in the Bay Area, Ashley returned to her roots in Omaha, NE where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Literature and a Master’s in Public Administration. Outside of work, she is an amateur real estate entrepreneur with her husband, and enjoys baking bread, gardening, and spending quality time with her family.
Elora Daniels
Communications Associate
edaniels [at] cra.org
Elora Daniels
Communications Associate
Elora Daniels is a Communications Associate for the Computing Research Association. In this role, she supports the communication’s team goal of amplifying CRA’s committees, special projects, and events.
Born and raised in Albuquerque, NM, Elora received her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of New Mexico before moving to New York to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and pursue a career in musical theatre. While performing off-Broadway and touring the country in many children’s shows, she seized the opportunity to build her skills in nonprofit administration before returning to New Mexico to work as a school administrator and communications designer. In her free time, she enjoys singing, baking, and adventuring with her pup, Willow.
Richard Elam II
Program Associate, CRA-WP
realm [at] cra.org
Richard Elam II
Program Associate, CRA-WP
Richard serves as a Program Associate at CRA for the Widening Participation committee. At CRA-WP, Richard actively contributes to programs dedicated to expanding the participation of underrepresented populations in computing from undergraduate years and beyond. Originally from (west) Philadelphia, PA, Richard brings a diverse background in architecture, design, and UX design. Before joining CRA, he gained valuable experience in various design areas within the DMV region.
Richard, an advocate for diversity, believes in ensuring equal and equitable access to resources. His philosophy aligns with the wisdom of renowned Iraqi Architect Zaha Hadid, who famously said, ‘There are 360 degrees, why stick to one.’ This perspective encourages embracing a broad outlook, exploring diverse angles, ideas, and possibilities instead of confining oneself to a narrow viewpoint. Richard’s approach reflects open-mindedness, creativity, and a willingness to consider a full spectrum of options in decision-making and life.
Catherine Gill
Communications Associate, CCC
cgill [at] cra.org
Catherine Gill
Communications Associate, CCC
Catherine (Cat) Gill is a Communications Associate for the Computing Research Association’s Computing Community Consortium (CCC) subcommittee. In her role, she supports all C communications and engagement efforts. Most recently, she worked as an office manager for Hanover Research organized employee events and office communications.
Haley Griffin
Senior Program Associate, CCC
hgriffin [at] cra.org
Haley Griffin
Senior Program Associate, CCC
Haley Griffin is a Senior Program Associate for the Computing Community Consortium (CCC) subcommittee. In this role, she will support the CCC mission by facilitating workshops, completing administrative tasks, and assisting with communications deliverables. Previously she worked for AmeriCorps as a Literacy Coordinator where she helped students at under-resourced schools with their reading comprehension and literary skills. Haley graduated from Miami University with a bachelor’s degree in professional writing and minors in Spanish and global perspectives on sustainability. She has experience working with non-profit organizations on initiatives like obtaining grants for watershed management and designing project proposals for fundraisers. In her free time Haley likes to take walks, spend time with friends and family, and travel.
Emmanuel Hale
Accounts Payable Specialist
ehale [at] cra.org
Emmanuel Hale
Accounts Payable Specialist
Emmanuel is an Accounts Payable Specialist for CRA and works to ensure the organization’s bills get paid on time and reimbursements for participants in CRA-sponsored events are processed expeditiously. Emmanuel graduated from Wilmington University with an MBA and has over ten years of experience in accounting. Before coming to CRA, he worked as a Staff Accountant for a small business in the hospitality industry. In his free time, Emmanuel enjoys reading, writing, and playing video games.
Peter Harsha
COO and Senior Director of Government Affairs
harsha [at] cra.org
202-556-4335
Peter Harsha
COO and Senior Director of Government Affairs
Peter Harsha is the COO and Senior Director of Government Affairs for the Computing Research Association. In his position, Peter works to help CRA influence computing research policy by improving public and policymaker understanding of the nature of research, and by increasing the computing community’s awareness of and participation in policy issues. Prior to joining CRA in October 2001, Peter spent six years working for Congress, beginning as a member of the personal staff of Congressman Nick Smith of Michigan. In the 106th and 107th Congresses, Peter served as a member of the professional staff of the House Science Committee as Chairman Smith’s designee on the Subcommittee on Research, working on a portfolio of issues that included oversight of the National Science Foundation, Information Technology, the U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Peter has three boys, and a cat named for 80’s hockey goon Marty McSorley.
Matt Hazenbush
Director of Communications
mhazenbush [at] cra.org
Matt Hazenbush
Director of Communications
Matt Hazenbush is the Director of Communications for the Computing Research Association. Matt oversees the organization’s communications strategy and works across all CRA committees and activities to craft communications that elevate their efforts and highlight the positive impact of CRA on the computing research community.
Prior to joining CRA, Matt held a variety of communications roles at the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a global, non-profit association of leading graduate business schools and administer of the GMAT exam. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and History as a double major at Boston College and a Master’s of Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, Matt currently resides in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rebekah, and dog, Burrito.
Eniola Idowu
Research Associate, CERP
eidowu [at] cra.org
Eniola Idowu
Research Associate, CERP
Eniola Idowu is a Research Associate for CRA’s Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). As part of the CERP team, she conducts and supports the evaluation for a selection of programs primarily focused on broadening participation in computing in higher education. Eniola holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and Master of Public Health in Health Behavior Health Promotion from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining the CERP team, she worked in the evaluation field within a variety of sectors including research/evaluation firms, academic institutes, and non-profits. Eniola worked as an Evaluation Associate for a research and evaluation firm where she gained experience with designing and implementing a variety of complex evaluation projects addressing behavioral health disparities, state’s substance use crises, sexual health education, and school-based mental health systems. During her graduate school training, Eniola supported the Office of Curricula Affair’s evaluation in curriculum modification in medical school settings to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching practices. She is passionate about using a DEI lens in all aspects of research and evaluation to address access, intersectionality, and equity within underserved populations to achieve their educational and wellness goals. In her free time, Eniola enjoys Pilates, reading, listening to music, and journaling.
Brendan Kane
Program Associate, CERP
bkane [at] cra.org
Brendan Kane
Program Associate, CERP
Brendan Kane is a Program Associate for the CRA’s Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). He is responsible for supporting the day-to-day activities of CERP and ensuring program operations proceed smoothly and effectively.
Brendan holds a Bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in Journalism. Prior to joining CRA, Brendan worked at multiple survey research firms where he gained experience in survey management, data analysis, and data visualization. In his free time, he likes to read, go to the movies, and take his bike out for a ride.
Sheila Khan
Program Associate, CRA-E
skhan [at] cra.org
Sheila Khan
Program Associate, CRA-E
Sheila Khan is a Program Associate for the Computing Research Association’s Education (CRA-E) subcommittee. In this role, she supports the CSGrad4US graduate fellowship and mentoring program.
Sheila has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Public Health, both from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to joining CRA, Sheila worked for the Virginia Department of Health in Richmond, VA. Outside of work, Sheila likes to travel, go on walks, bake, and spend time with her cat.
Lauren Lashlee
Senior Program Associate, CRA-E
llashlee [at] cra.org
Senior Program Associate, CRA-E
Lauren Lashlee is a Senior Program Associate for the Education committee. In this role, she supports CRA-WE programs that focus on increasing the pipeline for computer science researchers. She has previously worked on the Widening Participation (CRA-WP) committee supporting several of those programs.
Lauren was raised in Savannah, GA. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education with an endorsement in K-12 English as a Second Oral Language. Before joining CRA, Lauren was an educator for six years in Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools. She enjoys cooking, painting, and physical activities.
Tori Madril
Grants Specialist
tmadril [at] cra.org
Tori Madril
Grants Specialist
Tori Madril is the Grants Specialist for the Computing Research Association. Within the Contracts & Grants Administration team, she is chiefly responsible for subaward management for the CI Fellows grants as well as grants administration for CRA’s other funded initiatives. As a recent hire, Tori comes to CRA with several years of experience in the sponsored project administration space, specializing in post-award management.
Outside of work, Tori enjoys spending time playing beach volleyball, baking pastries, curating playlists and working with film photography.
Mary Lou Maher
Director of Research Community Initiatives
mmaher [at] cra.org
Mary Lou Maher
Director of Research Community Initiatives
Mary Lou Maher is the Director of Research Community Initiatives and directs the CCC. Mary Lou works with the CCC Council, the broader computing research community, and across the CRA to create new visions, and engage with other disciplines, policymakers, and the public to achieve societal impact through workshops, roundtables, and conferences.
Prior to joining the CRA in February 2024, Mary Lou was Department Chair at UNC Charlotte in the College of Computing and Informatics. She has held positions in the CISE Directorate at the NSF, the iSchool at University of Maryland, Computer Science at the University of Sydney, and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. At UNC Charlotte she directed the Center for Humane AI Studies, the Human Centered Computing Lab, and the Center for Education Innovation and Research.
Kayley McDonald
Program Associate, CRA-E
kmcdonald [at] cra.org
Kayley McDonald
Program Associate, CRA-E
Kayley McDonald is a Program Associate for the Computing Research Association’s Education (CRA-E) subcommittee. She supports the CSGrad4US graduate fellowship and mentoring program that aims to increase the number and diversity of domestic graduate students pursuing careers in the fields of computing research. Kayley attended Penn State University where she studied Public History and Business, and developed a passion for accessibility and equitable opportunity in education and engagement experiences. Prior to joining CRA, Kayley worked for the Carnegie Museums in her home city of Pittsburgh, PA.
Brian Mosley
Associate Director, Government Affairs
bmosley [at] cra.org
202-266-2944
Brian Mosley
Associate Director, Government Affairs
Brian is the Associate Director, Government Affairs for CRA, representing the Association before Congress, Executive Branch agencies, and the computing & scientific community in Washington. He is enthusiastic about the governmental process and wants to help both researchers and elected representatives get the most out of their democracy. Brian has over seven years experience in government affairs and has worked in the fields of technology & innovation policy, science and energy research, and STEM education. Prior to arriving at CRA, he worked in the Washington Office of the American Physical Society and interned for Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland while in college. In his spare time, Brian is an accomplished amateur photographer, with multiple photographs having been displayed in juried art shows. Brian is a graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland with a B.A. in History and Political Science.
Janine Myszka
Senior Program Associate, CRA
jmyszka [at] cra.org
Janine Myszka
Senior Program Associate, CRA
Janine holds a B.S. in Astronomy and Astrophysics from Villanova University and an MSc in Science Communication from Imperial College London. She has worked in the science communication and informal science education world at several institutions including the Franklin Institute, the British Science Association, the Orlando Science Center, Sky & Telescope Magazine, and, most recently, the Museum of Science, Boston.
Janine is interested in science’s role in society and the ways in which computing research affects us every day. In particular, she is passionate about equitable applications of technologies and increasing participation of underrepresented groups. In her free time Janine enjoys knitting, reading, trying new foods, and aerial arts.
Andres Purpuro
Program Assistant, CERP
apurpuro [at] cra.org
Andres Purpuro
Program Assistant, CERP
Andres Purpuro is Program Assistant for CRA’s Center of Evaluating the Research Pipeline. His responsibilities are to assist with general CERP communications and administrative tasks.
Andres recently received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross where he gained strong analytical and research skills. Prior to this role, he worked at the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, a non-profit that brings together small businesses across the nation. In his free time, he likes to go fishing, work out, and watch movies.
Toyamim Rahman
Program Associate, CERP
trahman [at] cra.org
Toyamim Rahman
Program Associate, CERP
Toyamim is a Program Associate that focuses on BPCnet and related projects at CERP. Prior to joining CRA, he worked for the Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Workforce Development at the New York State Executive Chamber of the Governor.
Toyamim completed his undergraduate studies at The City College of New York and recently received his MPA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Toyamim was raised in the World’s Borough, Queens, New York. In his free time, Toyamim enjoys reading, cooking, running, and spending time with his pet rabbit, Chance the Rabbit.
Erik Russell
Director of Educational Initiatives (CRA-E)
erik [at] cra.org
202-266-2941
Erik Russell
Director of Educational Initiatives (CRA-E)
Serving as the Director of Educational Initiatives at the Computing Research Association (CRA), Erik provides operational leadership, program management, and relationship building for the organization. Working closely with the CRA Committees on Education (CRA-E), Erik drives program activities focused on education and career progression with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Through the careful engagement, recruitment, cultivation, and support of talent, he aims to amplify efforts to promote advanced computing research.
Before joining CRA in 2012, Erik worked to advance computer science education through his service as an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow within the Directorate for Computer & Information Science & Engineering at the National Science Foundation.
Ann Schwartz
On loan to OSTP / NITRD
aschwartz [at] cra.org
202-266-2936
Ann Schwartz
On loan to OSTP / NITRD
Dr. Ann Schwartz is the Computing Research Association’s Director of Research Community Initiatives. She leads the community organization in developing visioning activities, writing white papers and reports, and communicating with policymakers to ensure that computing research continues to be high-impact and align with pressing national and global challenges. Prior to joining CRA, she was an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the National Science Foundation working on education and workforce development issues for the CISE Directorate. Prior to her time at NSF, she taught high school computer science and math at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.
Julia Sepulveda Avalos
Senior Program Associate, CRA-E
julia [at] cra.org
Julia Sepulveda Avalos
Senior Program Associate, CRA-E
Julia Sepulveda Avalos is a Senior Program Associate for the Computing Research Association’s Education (CRA-E) subcommittee. Before joining the CRA-E team, she worked at a global advisory firm supporting technology and non-profit organizations with creating and executing strategic communications, while managing reputational risk.
Julia holds a Bachelor’s degree from Brown University in International Relations with a focus on Security & Society. As a first-generation college graduate, Julia is passionate about supporting and advocating for initiatives that promote equitable access to professional development opportunities.
In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, keeping up with pop culture, and playing with her pet.
Jacob Wolkenhauer
Senior Manager of Contracts and Grant Administration
jwolkenhauer [at] cra.org
Jacob Wolkenhauer
Senior Manager of Contracts and Grant Administration
Jacob Wolkenhauer is the Senior Manager of Contracts & Grants Administration for the Computing Research Association. In this role, he oversees the team responsible for ensuring compliance on all of CRA’s sponsored projects. He joins CRA with nearly two decades of experience managing grants and contracts at the International Computer Science Institute.
Jacob grew up in Washington state and attended UC Berkeley, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics. He still lives in Berkeley, and outside of work, he is an avid musician and composer, and enjoys cooking, hiking, gardening, carpentry, and board games.
Heather Wright
Associate Director of Data and Evaluation
heather [at] cra.org
202-266-2945
Heather Wright
Associate Director, CERP
Heather Wright serves as the Associate Director of the Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). In her role, Wright leads CERP’s evaluation efforts aimed at broadening participation in computing research and education. Wright also coordinates CERP’s various research initiatives and supports the continued sustainability of the center. She currently holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and two minors in Technical & Business Writing and Women’s Studies. She has been with the CRA since 2013.
Helen Wright
Manager, CRA-Industry
hwright [at] cra.org
202-266-2953
Helen Wright
Manager, CRA-Industry
As a Manager at CRA, Helen Wright interacts with members of the research community and policy makers to organize meetings, workshops, and outreach activities.
Most recently, she was a Science Education Analyst at the National Science Foundation working on promoting excellence in undergraduate STEM education for the Education and Human Resources Directorate. Helen organized and participated in a number of outreach events and conferences for many programs including the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program, whose goal is to increase the education of technicians for the high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy.
She holds a bachelor’s of science in biology as well as a master’s of science in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of Virginia.
Evelyn Yarzebinski
Manager, CERP
evelyn [at] cra.org
202-266-2937
Evelyn Yarzebinski
Manager, CERP
Evelyn Yarzebinski is a Manager with CRA’s Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). Evelyn’s primary responsibility involves managing all of CERP’s survey and evaluation data. She additionally develops scripts and web applications to support the organization and dissemination of data for the benefit of the computing community.
Prior to joining CRA, she spent 10 years as a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute, where she led study planning and data collection, management, and analysis for numerous projects aimed at improving math and literacy educational technologies for children around the world.
Outside of work, Evelyn enjoys birding, gardening, and other activities that promote seasonal living.
