WICked Woman of the Year
"Lynette makes loads of contributions to the professional education of software engineering in the Department of Computer Science and the College as a whole. She also runs the Teaching Quality Program seminars and workshops for our tutors," said Professor Chris Johnson, Head of the Department.
In 2006, Lynette established a mentoring group for female students studying a software engineering degree at the ANU. This has since been extended to all computing students. The group is for first year and later year students and provides a forum for them to get advice and support from Lynette and to also establish their own support networks. Lynette meets individually and in groups with the students.
"The proportion on female students studying computing degrees has fallen nationally, and at ANU in the past few years. The mentoring work, and the support that Lynette has provided with College recruitment activities is important in assisting to arrest and reverse this trend," said Professor Johnson.
Lynette is now the only permanent, academic female staff member in the Department of Computer Science. She is an important role model for female students studying computing degrees and for those thinking of studying computing.
"I still maintain close links with industry and I am keen to encourage women into the industry because we have a lot to add simply because of our gender. Unfortunately, software engineering still has a rather geeky image and has not managed to get across the message that we need people with strong people skills," said Lynette.
"The new message is 'geek is chic'. IT pays very well, there are many career prospects around the world, and we work in exciting team environments," she said.
Women in Information and Communications (WIC) is a Canberra based professional group that promotes the role of women in IT and other communication areas.
