#USA #Berkeley #Jennifer Chayes #Richard Tapia #CMD-IT

Jennifer Tour Chayes Receives the 2025 Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award

Jennifer Tour Chayes, the Dean of the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society at the University of California, Berkeley, has been awarded the 2025 Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award for her extraordinary contributions to scientific scholarship, civic science, and efforts to diversify the field of computing. This honor, presented by the Center for Minorities and People with Disabilities in IT (CMD-IT), recognizes notable scientists and engineers whose influence extends beyond academic scholarship to community engagement, mentoring, and promoting inclusion in technology fields.

Dr. Chayes has significantly shaped the landscape of computing and data science through her innovative research and advocacy for diversity. “Receiving an accolade named after Richard Tapia, whom I've admired for over thirty years, is truly humbling,” she shared. Chayes emphasized, “It’s important to create opportunities for individuals to excel in STEM and computing sectors.” Under her leadership, the College of Computing, Data Science, and Society emerged as UC Berkeley's first new college in more than five decades, embodying her vision of inclusive tech education.

With a robust background in both academia and industry, Dr. Chayes has spent over 20 years at Microsoft as a Technical Fellow, where she established research laboratories renowned for interdisciplinary work. Throughout her career, she has authored more than 150 academic papers and holds 30 patents, in addition to co-founding the field of graphons, widely adopted in machine learning for analyzing large networks. Notably, she is now focusing on applying her theoretical mathematics expertise to practical real-world challenges, such as using generative AI for advancing sustainability through materials designed for carbon capture.

Chayes's impressive accolades include her election to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and receiving the John von Neumann Prize. Additionally, she has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Leiden University, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in promoting equity within computing and data science domains.

In her quest to inspire the next generation, Dr. Chayes encourages perseverance in the face of challenges. “What matters most is not merely talent but the determination to push forward. Guidance from seasoned professionals can be invaluable during challenging times,” she advised. “Even in moments of self-doubt, embody confidence, and trust that it will manifest.”

The Richard A. Tapia Achievement Award will be formally bestowed upon Dr. Chayes at the Tapia Conference scheduled for September 10-12, 2025, at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Dallas, Texas. This conference aims to celebrate and acknowledge contributions to diversity within the computing community while fostering a supportive environment for exchange and collaboration among professionals in the field.

Dr. Chayes’s recognition is not only an affirmation of her professional achievements but also a testament to her dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive technological landscape. Her continued advocacy highlights the critical importance of mentorship and community engagement in paving the way for future innovators in computing, ensuring that the tech industry reflects the rich diversity of society.