Project 3 Research

Our documentary will be a study of women in computer science and how the University of Rochester differs from the nation as a whole in the CS industry. We would like to interview students both male and female in the CS department and ask them why they think there are on average significantly fewer women in STEM majors in general. In this documentary we will not only ask the questions but are interested in hearing questions that both the students and professors have that they believe have gone unanswered. We are not setting out with a goal but simply a curiosity and a desire for a closer understanding.

Task list:

Josh

  • Research possible interview questions 
  • Create shot list 
  • Interview Marty Gunther (Undergraduate Coordinator) - Marty is close to the student body with a unique position that is not related to teaching or professors but focused on ensuring CS students complete requirements and seek a future in CS

Ben

  • Research interview questions
  • Interview with Som about research and what WiCS does

Aiden

  • set up interviews with CS professors and students
  • B roll shooter - footage in CS classrooms during lecture
    • shots of students with laptops (medium and wide shots)
    • shots of CSB
    • shots of students in lab time 

Aaron

  • Set up interviews with Women in Computer Science club
  • Primary cameraman and A roll shooter
    • Cameraman for Som interview and Marty Interview

Timeline:

Interview with Marty Gunther - Thursday 9am

Interview with Som Liengtiraphan - Thursday 5pm

B roll (Aiden) - throughout the week

Interviews Wednesday TBD (We are waiting to hear back from a few professors and students.)

 

For students

  • (if they’re a CS major) What made you choose CS/what do you like about it?

  • What do you think is the % of women that get Computer Science Degrees?

    • 20%ish is the general consensus (of all CS degrees, so that’s 80% men)

  • Why do you think the number is so low? What do you attribute that to?

  • Why do you think it’s such a male-dominated field?

  • How do you think the problems here translates to women present in other male-dominated spaces/fields/industries?

  • What do you think we can do to overcome this?

    •  

  • What’s your biggest piece of advice for any woman interested in getting into CS?

  • What are some lingering questions you still want answers to?

 

For professors

  • What inspired you to get into CS?

  • Do you know the % of women that get Computer Science Degrees?

  • Why do you think the number is so low? What do you attribute that to?

  • Why do you think it’s such a male-dominated field?

  • What are some of the barriers you’ve witnessed to getting women involved and excited about CS?

  • How has your experience as an educator (in this field) informed you one way or another about about the role of women in CS?

  • What’s your biggest piece of advice for any woman interested in getting into CS?

  • What are some lingering questions you still want answers to?

 

For WiCS

  • (if they’re a CS major) What made you choose CS/what do you like about it?

  • Do you know the % of women that get Computer Science Degrees?

  • Why do you think the number is so low? What do you attribute that to?

  • Why do you think it’s such a male-dominated field?

  • How do you think the problems here translates to women present in other male-dominated spaces/fields/industries?

  • What do you think we can do to overcome this?

  • What’s the mission of WiCS?

  • How do you see WiCS within the larger campus community help to overcome these barriers?

  • What’s your biggest piece of advice for any woman interested in getting into CS?

  • What are some lingering questions you still want answers to?
Aaron Raymond