Sanghera heads STEM Outreach at the George Mason University’s Volgenau School of Engineering.
At a time when there is a lot of debate about the lack of gender diversity in academics, especially in STEM fields, comes the welcome news that an Indian American woman has been named to a major statewide STEM panel in Virginia.
Kamaljeet Sanghera, Executive Director for STEM Outreach at the George Mason University’s Volgenau School of Engineering, is among 43 people appointed to the new Virginia Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Commission. The commission was established last month on July 17, by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.
Sanghera, who has also been an associate professor at the university, said in a statement, “This appointment means a lot because I will get the opportunity to collaborate with a lot of great individuals who are doing wonderful work across the state around STEM. To be a voice at the table where I get to represent Volgenau School at George Mason University is truly an honor.”
She added that she hopes to “expand STEM outreach and education initiatives to women and underrepresented populations as well as develop programs that not only prepare students to succeed in the industry but also allow them to truly impact the world.”
Sanghera, popularly known as Kammy among her students and peers, has been advocating the importance and future of cloud computing in information technology for some time now.
Her appointment also comes at a time when there is a lot of noise about women of color and their contributions to American economy and academics. Her appointment does confirm that a lot of talent amongst the desi community, especially the women is yet to be tapped.
Even though women make up for 57.2 percent of entire workforce in America, in 2015, they comprised only 24.7 percent of computer and math professionals and 15.1 percent of engineering and architecture professionals.