# Alicia Nicki Washington

> American computer scientist, author, and professor

**Wikidata**: [Q108173557](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108173557)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Nicki_Washington)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alicia-nicki-washington

## Summary

Alicia Nicki Washington is a computer scientist, author, researcher, and university teacher[1][2][3][4]. She was born in Durham[2] and received her education from Johnson C. Smith University and North Carolina State University[1][5][6][7]. She has held the position of associate professor[1]. Her employers include Winthrop University, where she has worked from 2015 to the present, Howard University from 2006 to 2015, The Aerospace Corporation, and IBM[1][8][9].

## Summary
Alicia Nicki Washington is an American computer scientist, author, and professor who specializes in diversity and inclusion in computing. She is known for her advocacy work supporting Black women and girls in technology and her research on creating more inclusive computer science education environments.

## Biography
- Born: Durham, North Carolina
- Nationality: United States
- Ethnicity: African American
- Education: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Johnson C. Smith University (2000), Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Johnson C. Smith University (2000), Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from North Carolina State University (2005)
- Known for: Advocacy for diversity and inclusion in computer science, particularly supporting Black women and girls in tech
- Employer(s): Duke University (Professor, 2020-present), Howard University (Assistant Professor, 2006-2020), Winthrop University (Assistant Professor, 2006-2015), The Aerospace Corporation, IBM
- Field(s): Computer Science, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM

## Contributions
Alicia Nicki Washington has made significant contributions to computer science through her research, teaching, and advocacy work focused on diversity and inclusion. Her doctoral work at North Carolina State University under advisor Harry G. Perros established her foundation in computer science research. As an assistant professor at Howard University (2006-2020) and later as a professor at Duke University (2020-present), she has mentored numerous students and conducted research on creating more inclusive computing environments. Washington is particularly known for her work helping Black women and girls become "unapologetically dope in tech," as reflected in her speaking engagements and publications. Her research spans computer science education, diversity initiatives, and creating pathways for underrepresented groups in technology. Through her academic positions and public speaking, she has influenced curriculum development and institutional policies aimed at increasing retention of diverse students in computer science programs. Her work extends beyond academia through her social media presence and public advocacy, reaching thousands of followers interested in STEM careers and inclusion.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Alicia Nicki Washington's educational background?
A: Washington earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees from Johnson C. Smith University in mathematics and computer science (2000), followed by both a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from North Carolina State University (2005).

### Q: Where does Alicia Nicki Washington currently work?
A: Washington is currently a professor at Duke University, having joined their faculty in 2020. She previously held positions at Howard University and Winthrop University.

### Q: What is Dr. Nicki Washington known for in the tech community?
A: She is known for her advocacy work supporting Black women and girls in technology, her research on diversity and inclusion in computer science, and her efforts to make tech spaces more welcoming for underrepresented groups.

## Why They Matter
Alicia Nicki Washington's impact on computer science extends beyond traditional research contributions to address systemic issues of diversity and inclusion in the field. Her work has helped create pathways for underrepresented groups, particularly Black women, in technology careers. Through her academic positions at historically Black universities like Howard and prominent institutions like Duke, she has influenced both curriculum development and institutional approaches to inclusion. Her advocacy work reaches beyond academia through social media and public speaking, inspiring thousands of young women to pursue careers in technology. Washington's research on inclusive computing education has contributed to understanding how to retain diverse students in computer science programs, addressing the critical need for greater representation in the tech industry. Her dual role as researcher and advocate has made her a bridge between academic research on diversity and practical implementation of inclusive practices in educational and professional settings. Without her work, the computer science field would lack crucial perspectives on creating equitable learning and working environments for underrepresented groups.

## Notable For
• Advocacy for Black women and girls in technology, promoting "unapologetically dope" approaches to tech careers
• Academic positions spanning multiple prestigious institutions including Duke University, Howard University, and Winthrop University
• Research focus on diversity and inclusion in computer science education
• Public speaking and social media presence reaching thousands interested in STEM diversity
• Educational background combining mathematics and computer science from Johnson C. Smith University and North Carolina State University

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Alicia Nicki Washington was born in Durham, North Carolina. She pursued her undergraduate education at Johnson C. Smith University, a historically Black university, where she earned two Bachelor of Science degrees - one in mathematics (2000) and another in computer science (2000). She continued her graduate studies at North Carolina State University, earning both a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science by 2005. Her doctoral advisor was Harry G. Perros.

### Academic Career
Washington began her academic career at Winthrop University as an assistant professor, holding this position from 2006 to 2015. She then moved to Howard University, where she served as an assistant professor in computer science from 2006 to 2020. In 2020, she joined Duke University as a professor, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey. At Duke, she became part of the new faculty cohort announced in 2020.

### Industry Experience
Before and during her academic career, Washington worked at IBM, contributing to the technology corporation's initiatives. She also worked at The Aerospace Corporation, adding industry experience to her academic expertise.

### Research and Advocacy Focus
Washington's work centers on diversity and inclusion in computer science, with particular emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups. Her advocacy specifically targets Black women and girls in technology, encouraging them to be "unapologetically dope" in their pursuit of tech careers. This approach emphasizes confidence and excellence while navigating predominantly white, male spaces in technology.

### Publications and Recognition
Washington has been featured in various publications and interviews discussing her work in STEM diversity. She has been recognized by the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) and has participated in scholarship programs such as the Tapia Conference. Her scholarly work includes research on creating inclusive computing environments and improving retention of diverse students in computer science programs.

### Social Media and Public Presence
Under the Twitter handle @dr_nickiw, Washington maintains an active presence with over 9,700 followers as of early 2023. Her online platform serves as a space for advocating for diversity in tech and sharing resources for underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

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## References

1. [Source](https://cmd-it.org/news-recent/an-interview-with-nicki-washington-tapia-2020-scholarship-co-chair/)
2. [Source](https://www.acm.org/articles/people-of-acm/2020/nicki-washington)
3. [Source](http://ieeecss.org/contact/alicia-nicki-washington)
4. [Source](https://www.csc.ncsu.edu/news/2275)
5. [Source](https://today.duke.edu/2020/08/final-frontier)
6. [Source](https://www.khoury.northeastern.edu/event/being-unapologetically-dope-in-cs-with-dr-nicki-washington/)
7. [ORCID iD](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9180-6234)
8. [Source](https://www.blacknews.com/news/dr-nicki-washington-helps-black-women-girls-become-unapologetically-dope-in-tech/)
9. [Source](https://www.wbtv.com/2019/04/08/women-stem-dr-nicki-washington/)
10. [Source](https://nationalmedals.org/stories/stem-spotlight-with-nicki-washington/)
11. [Source](https://stories.duke.edu/meet-dukes-new-faculty-of-2020)
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. [Source](https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9180-6234)
14. [Source](https://dblp.org/pid/46/2811.html)