The Department of Informatics and Networked Systems is proud to announce that DINS faculty member Rosta Farzan has been named a recipient of the 2022 Chancellor's Distinguished Public Service Awards. Dr. Farzan, Associate Professor and SCI's Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, was selected for this honor for her tireless efforts to improve representation of underrepresented populations in the computing and information discipline and professions. The Chancellor's award particularly noted that Dr. Farzan's contributions "stand as an inspiring example of contributions that far exceed the traditional duties expected of a faculty member."
This University-wide honor recognizes her work on creating and leading the Data Advocacy Summer Program, ensuring that historically underrepresented populations enter the information and computing fields at higher levels, empowering youth in under-resourced neighborhoods to gain computational skills, and for bridging the digital divide by engaging students in real-world projects that benefit and support small businesses and community-based organizations.
The Chancellor's Distinguished Public Service Award includes a cash prize and a grant to support Dr. Farzan's public service activities. She will be officially recognized as a recipient of this prestigious award at Pitt's Faculty Honors Convocation on Friday, April 1, 2022. You can read the University's official announcement regarding the 2022 Awards here.