CRA Staff
Click on a staff member’s photo below to view their profile.
Nicole Beck
Reimbursement Specialist
nicole [at] cra.org/cra
Nicole Beck
Reimbursement Specialist
Nicole is CRA’s part-time Reimbursement Specialist, working closely with CRA’s Grant Specialist Jill Hallden to ensure the organization’s bills get paid on time and reimbursements for participants in CRA-sponsored events are processed expeditiously. Prior to joining CRA, Nicole was a stay at home mom while also attending college at George Mason University and Arizona State University. She graduated from Arizona State with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in geography with a specialization in geographic information systems. In her free time, Nicole enjoys all things geography and cartography, spending as much time as possible with her two daughters, as well as discovering new music to listen to.
Betsy Bizot
Senior Research Associate
bizot [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2943
Senior Research Associate
Betsy started at CRA in 2004. She has two main responsibilities there: the annual CRA Taulbee Survey of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Information departments; and evaluation of programs to encourage members of underrepresented groups toward research careers in computing.
She received her B.S. in Computer Science from Virginia Tech in 1978. While working in software development, she earned an MBA from Tulane University in 1984. The combination of coursework and on-the-job experience led her to an interest in successful technical teamwork and leadership, and to a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Tulsa in 1988. She did some statistical software development, then worked for 14 years for Career Vision, a not-for-profit in the Chicago suburbs, conducting research and product development related to career choice and career satisfaction. She is happy to bring the social science research and computing branches of her professional career together at CRA.
Betsy is interested in underrepresented groups in science and engineering, career paths in research (especially computing research), and in making information available to people in forms that are useful for decision making.
Daniela Cárdenas
Senior Program Associate, CRA-WP
dcardenas [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2950
Daniela Cárdenas
Senior Program Associate, CRA-WP
As Senior Program Associate, Daniela supports CRA and CRA-WP program activities with administrative and logistical matters such as planning meetings, workshops, outreach activities, and committee support.
Daniela emigrated from Venezuela in 2007, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Government and a minor in Education from Florida State University. In her spare time, Daniela enjoys watching football and painting with acrylics.
Sandra Corbett
Senior Administrator for Events Management
scorbett [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2938
Sandra Corbett
Senior Administrator for Events Management
Sandra joined CRA in 2011. As part of the CRA team, her responsibilities involve designing and developing all of the internal databases for CRA, processing all account payables for the organization and working with the Director of Programs on CRA-WP programs, specifically the CREU and DREU programs.
Sandra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from Strayer University. She earned her Master of Science degree in Database Administration (2011), and Master of Business Administration degree (2012) from the University of Maryland University College.
Her outside interests involve reading, learning about database development and big data analytics- the process of examining large amounts of data of a variety of types to uncover hidden patterns, unknown correlations and other useful information.
Ann Schwartz Drobnis
Director, CCC
adrobnis [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2936
Ann Schwartz Drobnis
Director, CCC
Dr. Ann Schwartz Drobnis is the Director of the Computing Research Association’s Computing Community Consortium. 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.
Catherine Gill
Program Associate, CCC
cgill [at] cra.org/cra
Catherine Gill
Program Associate, CCC
Catherine (Cat) Gill is a Program Associate for the Computing Research Association’s Computing Community Consortium (CCC) subcommittee. In her role, she will assist CCC staff with administrative tasks and logistical matters, such as organizing and coordinating workshops and research efforts. Most recently, she worked as an office manager for Hanover Research organized employee events and office communications.
Haley Griffin
Program Associate, CCC
hgriffin [at] cra.org/cra
Haley Griffin
Program Associate, CCC
Haley Griffin is a 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.
Alejandra Guzman
Senior Program Associate, CRA-WP
aguzman [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2946
Alejandra Guzman
Senior Program Associate, CRA-WP
Alejandra graduated from Brown University in 2015 with an Education Studies degree. During her undergraduate career, she was deeply involved with student organizations that supported underrepresented student communities such as first-gen, low income, etc.
She has continued that work in her professional career as she supports disenfranchised students, particularly in STEM fields. Before joining CRA, Alejandra promoted computer science learning through Code Success, a Google-sponsored program at the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), which focused on enhancing NSBE members’ CS technical skills as well as professional skills to ensure they were job ready upon graduation. In her free time, Alejandra enjoys spending time with her family, reading, running and playing with her cat.
Jill Hallden
Senior Grant Specialist
jhallden [at] cra.org/cra
Jill Hallden
Senior Grant Specialist
Jill is CRA’s Senior Grant Specialist, working closely with CRA’s Senior Administrator for Events Management Sandra Corbett to ensure the organization’s bills get paid on time and reimbursements for participants in CRA-sponsored events are processed expeditiously. Prior to joining CRA, Jill retired from a 12-year career as an assistant professor of Geography at George Mason University, where she focused on digital cartography and world regional geography. When she’s not processing reimbursements, she enjoys cycling, spending time with her three boys, and making interesting cupcake creations.
Peter Harsha
Interim Executive Director
Senior Director, Government Affairs
harsha [at] cra.org/cra
202-556-4335
Peter Harsha
Interim Executive Director
Senior Director, Government Affairs
Peter Harsha is the Interim Executive Director 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.
Maddy Hunter
Program Associate, CCC
mhunter [at] cra.org/cra
202-549-7755
Maddy Hunter
Program Associate, CCC
Maddy Hunter is a Program Associate for the CRA’s Computing Community Consortium (CCC) subcommittee. In this role, she supports CCC staff and council members by handling administrative and logistical matters surrounding meetings, conferences and workshops.
Previously, she was an IT Administrative Specialist for DataSource, where she worked with Automated Background Investigation Software (ABIS) to process security clearances for government workers. Maddy received bachelor’s degrees in Professional Writing and Political Science from Miami University. In her free time she enjoys napping, painting and trying new foods.
Sabrina Jacob
Senior Administrator for Membership and Advertising
sjacob [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2934
Sabrina Jacob
Senior Administrator for Membership and Advertising
Sabrina Jacob has been with CRA since August 2007. One of her primary duties is overseeing/managing the ads that appear on the CRA website as well as in the electronic CRN magazine. She also is responsible for managing the membership database which consists over 350 academic departments, labs, and professional societies and is the liaison between the department chairs, deans, directors, and presidents. Sabrina did her undergraduate work in Psychology at UMUC.
Prior to joining CRA, Sabrina worked many years with different non-profit organizations both nationally as well as internationally. She also spent a number of years working at NBC, PBS, and C-SPAN as an engineer, producer and a director.
In her spare time, she loves to read and also has a passion for working with young women and children. Sabrina is the mother of one son, Joshua who is now a college graduate.
Kristi Kelly
Senior Research Associate, CERP
kristi [at] cra.org/cra
Kristi Kelly
Senior Research Associate, CERP
kristi [at] cra.org/cra
Kristi Kelly is a Senior Research Associate with CRA’s Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). As part of the CERP team, Kristi’s responsibilities include management of IRB submissions, survey development, and data analysis and reporting.
Kristi received her PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Before joining CRA, she conducted community-based research and evaluation, working with non-profits and government agencies to measure and improve the services they provide. Kristi enjoys hiking, discovering new music, and trying not to kill her plants.
Roohia Meer
Program Assistant, CERP
roohia [at] cra.org/cra
Program Associate, CERP
Roohia Meer is a program assistant for the Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). She supports CERP’s efforts aimed at broadening participation in computing research and education.
Roohia is originally from Quetta, Pakistan. She holds a Bachelor’s in sociology from Albion College and a Master’s in public policy from the University of Maryland. Before joining CRA, Roohia worked as a data analyst in enrollment management at the University of Maryland. She enjoys reading, cooking, and teaching ESL to refugees from Afghanistan.
Brian Mosley
Senior Policy Analyst, Government Affairs
bmosley [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2944
Brian Mosley
Senior Policy Analyst, Government Affairs
Brian is the Policy Analyst 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.
Taniya Ross-Dunmore
Research Assistant, CERP
taniya [at] cra.org/cra
Taniya Ross-Dunmore
Research Assistant
Taniya Ross-Dunmore is a research assistant for CRA’S Center of Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). Her responsibility is to assist in CERP’s research and evaluation projects and tasks.
Taniya holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from Spelman College where she obtained experience in data collection and evaluation, research methods, psychometrics, and more. Prior to joining the CRA CERP team, she worked as an RBT with children with autism and aided in the facilitation of a program aimed to increase young women of color in the STEM and art field. In her free time, she enjoys painting, reading, and Netflix.
Erik Russell
Director of Programs, CRA-WP
erik [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2941
Erik Russell
Director of Programs, CRA-WP
As Director of Programs at the Computing Research Association (CRA), Erik provides operational leadership, program management, and relationship building for the organization. Working closely with the CRA Committee on Widening Participation (CRA-WP), Erik drives CRA’s talent development initiatives with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through careful engagement, recruitment, cultivation, and support of talent, he aims to amplify efforts to promote advanced computing research.Before joining CRA, 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. Erik has been actively working to engage and retain students from groups historically underserved in computer science research.
Shar Steed
Senior Communications Specialist
shar [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2939
Shar Steed
Senior Communications Specialist
As the Senior Communications Specialist at CRA, Shar Steed directs strategic communications for the organization. She develops marketing communications initiatives and provides editorial oversight of print and electronic content.
Previously at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), she managed integrated marketing campaigns to enhance national awareness of the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships program. Shar was a Marketing Communications Assistant at National 4-H Council and has experience in public relations with private firms, and academic institutions.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in integrated marketing and management communication from Florida State University.
Burçin Tamer
Director, CERP
burcin [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2935
Burçin Tamer
Director, CERP
Burçin Tamer is the Director of CERP. 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.
Heather Wright
Associate Director, CERP
heather [at] cra.org/cra
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
Senior Program Associate, CRA-Industry
hwright [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2953
Helen Wright
Senior Program Associate, CRA-Industry
As a Senior Program Associate 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
Senior Research Associate, CERP
evelyn [at] cra.org/cra
202-266-2937
Evelyn Yarzebinski
Senior Research Associate, CERP
Evelyn Yarzebinski is a Research Associate for CRA’s Center for Evaluating the Research Pipeline (CERP). Evelyn’s main responsibility is managing CERP’s survey and evaluation data. She additionally contributes to evaluation reports and research projects, and is the administrator for BPCnet.org.
Prior to joining CRA, she was a Research Associate at Carnegie Mellon University’s Human-Computer Interaction Institute, where she led study planning and data collection, management, and analysis for projects aimed at improving math-and-literacy-based educational technologies for children worldwide.
All CRA Staff may be reached at:
Computing Research Association | 1828 L Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20036-4632 | Tel: 202-234-2111 | Fax: 202-667-1066
