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Ann Quiroz Gates
Ann Quiroz Gates
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Ann Quiroz Gates

The University of Texas at El Paso

New York, NY USA

"We can’t have innovation and discovery without a lot of different voices at the table."

Career Roadmap

Ann's work combines: Education, Technology, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Professor & Chair, Computer Science Department

I collaborate with Engineering Leadership to advance research and student success in the college.

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Day In The Life Of The Computer Science Department Chair

My Day to Day

As a department chair, I oversee the functions of the department and make sure we're following accreditation requirements. I meet with students who aren't doing well to understand what issues they might be facing and then try to assist and motivate them. I work with a lot of student organizations. Because I also do work at the national level, I travel a lot to do things like speak on panels and work with specific organizations.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

Identify leadership opportunities by getting involved in organizations. Seek opportunities to give presentations and ask for feedback. Join LinkedIn; network and establish relationships with a broad range of people; seek mentors.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Mathematics, General

    University of Texas at El Paso

  • Graduate Degree

    Computer Science

    University of Texas at El Paso

  • Doctorate

    Computer Science

    New Mexico State University

  • Certification

    Certified Secondary Teacher

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    My parents always reinforced the importance of education when I was growing up.

  • 2.

    I learned computing in high school, but ended up majoring in mathematics when I went to college.

  • 3.

    My first job after graduating college was as a computer programmer.

  • 4.

    After spending a number of years working and raising a family, I decided to go back to school and get my master’s degree in computer science.

  • 5.

    Earning my master’s degree motivated me to keep going and get a Ph.D. in computer science.

  • 6.

    I went back to the University of Texas at El Paso—my alma mater—as the department chair for computer science and the associate vice president of research.

  • 7.

    I'm also the executive director of the Computing Alliance for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI), which promotes inclusion and equity in innovation and discovery.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    You only received that because you are a Latina.

  • How I responded:

    What I have accomplished is due to hard work, and what I have received is because of a competitive process. Follow your passion and do not listen to the naysayers.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • As a Latina, I faced a lot of implicit bias in the industry. It took a lot of self-reflection and work on my confidence in order to help me through the discrimination to figure out my place.

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