This article is published in the March 2025 issue.

Lori Pollock Wins the 2025 CRA A. Nico Habermann Award

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By Matt Hazenbush, Director of Communications

The Computing Research Association (CRA) Board of Directors has selected Lori Pollock, Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Computer and Information Sciences at the University of Delaware, as the recipient of the 2025 CRA A. Nico Habermann Award. One of CRA’s most prestigious honors, this award recognizes her outstanding efforts to expand participation and enhance the success of groups minoritized in computing research.

Through her leadership, mentorship, and programmatic initiatives, Pollock has played a pivotal role in broadening access to computing, helping to create and sustain programs that have transformed pathways for students and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds. Her contributions span K-12 education, undergraduate and graduate mentorship, and early-career professional development, strengthening the research pipeline and making computing a more inclusive discipline.

“Over three decades, Lori has been working on a wide range of diversity-focused programs and has been incredibly effective in identifying key challenges, proposing improvements or new solutions, and executing those changes through to success. UR2PhD, CSGrad4US, Grad Cohort, Partner4CS — these programs exist, thrive, and continue to change lives because of Lori’s enthusiastic leadership.”
– Kelly A. Shaw, Professor of Computer Science, Williams College

“Lori has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to broadening participation in computing by working across K-12 and higher education. Her tireless efforts pioneered new programs and initiatives that resulted in policy changes, garnered recognition from the Governor [of Delaware], and even drew praise from former President Barack Obama. She is not only a brilliant scholar but also a brilliant and generous mentor to others, especially those underrepresented in computing.”
– Chrystalla Mouza, Dean, College of Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

“Lori is one of the most inclusive, kind leaders with whom I have had the pleasure to engage. She listens deeply, ensures all voices are heard, and makes everyone feel valued. She is not afraid to make large changes, but even when she does, she brings everyone along. She does not seek the spotlight — she creates opportunities for others. Her decades of work have fundamentally changed how we approach broadening participation in computing.”
– Carla E. Brodley, Professor, Dean of Inclusive Computing, Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Northeastern University

Reflecting on the honor, Pollock shared:

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about fostering an inclusive computing research community, and I have been fortunate to collaborate with incredible colleagues who share this mission. It’s inspiring to see the impact that collective efforts can have in expanding access and opportunity.”

A Career of Expanding Opportunities

Pollock has dedicated her career to increasing participation in computing research, leading national efforts that create stronger pathways into the field. Her work spans undergraduate research, graduate mentorship, faculty development, and K-12 education, strengthening the research pipeline at multiple levels.

  • Expanding Undergraduate Research Participation: As a Principal Investigator (PI) of CRA’s UR2PhD program, Pollock helped develop a new initiative to improve the quality and accessibility of undergraduate research experiences, particularly for students from historically excluded backgrounds. Additionally, through CRA-WP’s NSF DREU (Distributed Research Experiences for Undergraduates) program, she has mentored students and supported research opportunities that have encouraged many to pursue graduate study.
  • Supporting Non-Traditional PhD Pathways: As a PI for the NSF CSGrad4US Graduate Fellowship Program, Pollock has played a key role in establishing the program and mentoring professionals returning to academia to earn PhDs in computing. By reducing barriers and providing structured support, she has helped expand access to computing research careers for individuals from non-traditional backgrounds.
  • Fostering Graduate Student Success: In its early years, Pollock was a leading contributor to CRA-WP’s Grad Cohort Workshops, which provide mentoring, professional development, and networking opportunities for graduate students from underrepresented groups. Her leadership helped strengthen retention and advancement in computing PhD programs.
  • Advancing K-12 Computing Education: Through Partner4CS, a University of Delaware initiative that equips K-12 teachers with computer science training and curriculum resources, Pollock has expanded early access to computing education. Her efforts have led to policy changes and increased state-level support, ensuring that more students — especially those from marginalized communities — have opportunities to explore computing.

About the Award

The CRA A. Nico Habermann Award honors the late A. Nico Habermann, who led NSF’s Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) Directorate and was deeply committed to increasing the participation of people from groups historically excluded in computing. The award recognizes individuals, organizations, or initiatives that have made significant, lasting contributions to increasing the numbers and/or successes of minoritized groups in the computing research community.

The CRA Committee on Awards – Selection is responsible for reviewing nominations and recommending recipients for the CRA A. Nico Habermann Award. Final recommendations are presented to the CRA Board of Directors, which votes on the awardees at its February Board meeting.

Recognizing an Outstanding Leader

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition. If you’re among the many whose life and career have been positively influenced by Lori Pollock, consider sharing this announcement on LinkedIn and reflecting on how her efforts to broaden participation in computing have impacted you, your colleagues, and our community.