# Jakita Owensby Thomas

> American computer scientist, computer engineer, educator

**Wikidata**: [Q60177381](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60177381)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jakita_O._Thomas)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jakita-owensby-thomas

## Summary
Jakita Owensby Thomas is an American computer scientist, computer engineer, and educator known for her contributions to computing education and research. She is an associate professor and has been recognized with the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2013 for her work in broadening participation in computing.

## Biography
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**:
  - Bachelor of Science, Spelman College
  - Doctor of Philosophy, Georgia Tech
- **Known for**: Broadening participation in computing and computer science education
- **Employer(s)**:
  - Spelman College
  - Auburn University
  - IBM Research
  - IBM Almaden Research Center (2005–2010)
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, computer engineering, education

## Contributions
Jakita Owensby Thomas has made significant contributions to computer science education and research, particularly in broadening participation in computing. Her work includes research on computational thinking, STEM education, and diversity in tech. She has published numerous papers and has been involved in initiatives to inspire underrepresented groups in computing. Notably, she received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2013, one of the highest honors for early-career scientists in the U.S. Her research and advocacy have helped shape policies and programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Jakita Owensby Thomas known for?
A: Jakita Owensby Thomas is known for her work in computer science education, particularly in broadening participation in computing and inspiring underrepresented groups in STEM.

### Q: Where did Jakita Owensby Thomas earn her PhD?
A: She earned her Doctor of Philosophy from Georgia Tech.

### Q: What awards has Jakita Owensby Thomas received?
A: She received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2013.

### Q: Where has Jakita Owensby Thomas worked?
A: She has worked at Spelman College, Auburn University, IBM Research, and the IBM Almaden Research Center.

### Q: Who was Jakita Owensby Thomas's doctoral advisor?
A: Her doctoral advisor was Janet Kolodner, an American cognitive scientist and computer scientist.

## Why They Matter
Jakita Owensby Thomas has played a crucial role in advancing computer science education and increasing diversity in STEM fields. Her research and advocacy have influenced policies and programs that aim to make computing more accessible to underrepresented groups. Her recognition with the PECASE award highlights her impact on the field and her commitment to fostering inclusivity in technology. Without her contributions, the landscape of computer science education and diversity initiatives would be significantly less developed.

## Notable For
- Recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) in 2013
- Associate professor at Spelman College and Auburn University
- Researcher at IBM Almaden Research Center (2005–2010)
- Advocate for broadening participation in computing
- Doctoral advisor: Janet Kolodner

## Body
### Education and Early Career
Jakita Owensby Thomas earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Spelman College and her Doctor of Philosophy from Georgia Tech. Her doctoral advisor was Janet Kolodner, a prominent figure in cognitive science and computer science.

### Professional Career
Thomas has held positions at several prestigious institutions, including:
- **Spelman College**: Associate professor
- **Auburn University**: Associate professor
- **IBM Research**: Researcher
- **IBM Almaden Research Center**: Researcher (2005–2010)

### Awards and Recognition
In 2013, Thomas received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), one of the highest honors for early-career scientists in the United States. This award recognized her contributions to broadening participation in computing and her impact on computer science education.

### Research and Advocacy
Thomas's research focuses on computational thinking, STEM education, and diversity in tech. She has published numerous papers and has been involved in initiatives to inspire underrepresented groups in computing. Her work has helped shape policies and programs aimed at increasing diversity in STEM fields.

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## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](http://bwgsymposium.org/presenters/jakita-thomas/)
3. [Source](http://eng.auburn.edu/news/2021/01/jakita-thomas-inspiring-black-scientists)
4. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0002-6370-7316/employment/7102678)
5. [Source](https://nsf.gov/awards/PECASE/recip_details.jsp;jsessionid=2FBF384BCA5DF9E9F95D99C9D61DC787?pecase_id=358)