Graciela Perera

Graciela Perera is an associate professor in the Computer Science Department at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU). Recently, she presented a position paper in the Global Experimentation for Future Internet (GEFI) community. GEFI connects researchers and research sponsors in the EU, US, Japan, Korea, and Brazil to advance international collaboration for experimental research in future networks. Furthermore, during the month June 2018, she was selected to participate in Google’s Faculty in Residence (FIR) Program. At FIR Graciela was exposed to innovative teaching methods for diverse populations and best practices to interview in High Tech Companies such as Google. Additionally, in March 2019, she was a speaker at the Google funded initiative promoting the participation of Hispanic Females in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Software Engineering for undergraduate research.

She currently, volunteers Vice Chair for the year 2019 and has been a member since Fall 2017 of the CompTIA’s Executive Council, Advancing Diversity in Technology Community. In Spring 2012, Graciela Perera was a visiting professor at University of Texas at El Paso. She received her Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of South Florida. Her current emphasis in research is innovative pathways between students and testbeds with a focus on discovering applied experimental approaches towards modeling Internet attacks and defenses.

She has been involved in efforts to increase the participation of women, minorities, and Hispanics. She was the recipient of the 2011 Estrella de LUNA award from Ohio’s Latinas United Networking Association. This award is given to a Latina in the community who exemplifies generosity and dedication to Hispanics and the community. Additionally, implementing collaborative activities inside and outside the classroom allows Graciela to actively engage her students, colleagues and community in the process of learning and research. She is the founder of the first student Affinity Research Group at Youngstown State University and is part of the Computing Alliance for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI). CAHSI received a grant worth $9,900,000 from National Science Foundation’s (NSF’s) Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) program. Graciela will represent NEIU for the Northeast region. The funding will create opportunities for institutions in the region to share experiences, to work together through workshops, meetings and regular communications between institutions. The initiative will include summits that will expose students to different types of professional development activities as well as bringing industry and non-academic representatives to the table to talk to students about their expectations.