Eman Ramadan Earns UMN Provost’s Unit Service Award

Department of Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E) Lecturer and Research Associate Eman Ramadan earned the University of Minnesota Provost’s Unit Service Award for her countless service contributions to the department. In particular, Eman was nominated for her efforts to promote and increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the department and beyond. 

“I think it is definitely a great feeling to have all the time and effort that you’ve invested be recognized, especially at the University level,” Eman said. “CS&E has won this award in the past years, so it is an honor to follow in the footsteps of some of my role models in the department.”

Eman has been a passionate and dedicated leader in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through securing funding for artificial intelligence (AI) and graduate fellowships, organizing DEI initiatives, supporting student engagement, and actively contributing to department-, college-, and university-wide efforts to foster an inclusive academic environment. She is currently the chair of the Computer Science Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (CS-IDEA) committee, the co-chair of the College of Science and Engineering’s (CSE) Inclusivity Council, and a key member of the CSE Diversity & Inclusivity Alliance. In 2023, she earned the CSE Postdoctoral Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership.

“Recognition is meaningful, but it is not the finish line,” Eman said. “There is a great deal of work ahead, and I hope this inspires others to take part in these efforts. When we all contribute, it shifts our community culture and sends a powerful message to students that they matter and that we care about them. My hope is that this work continues to shape a more welcoming and inclusive campus environment for everyone.”  

Additionally, Eman is a CS&E lecturer and research associate, working with Professor Zhi-Li Zhang and co-leading the networks research group. Prior to formally joining the department in 2023, she was a teaching assistant and co-instructor during her PhD (2022) and MS (2014) studies. 

“My mission is to empower others through their learning and growth. I am deeply committed to supporting students in every aspect of their academic and personal journeys, whether through coursework, career guidance, or mentorship. My door is always open, and I strive to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, I aim to foster a space where students are not only equipped to succeed but also inspired to reach their full potential.”

Established in 2023, the U of M instituted the Award for Excellence in Academic Unit Service to recognize faculty for exceptional service that has strengthened the functioning and climate of the local unit or department. From those nominated for the Award for Excellence in Academic Unit Service, seven were chosen for higher-level awards. These awards, the Provost’s Unit Service Award and the University of Minnesota Unit Service Award, serve to emphasize and elevate the importance of this type of service to the University’s success. This year marks the third consecutive year that a faculty member from CS&E has received this prestigious recognition, following Phil Barry (2024) and Shana Watters (2023).

“Maria Gini has always been a role model for me. Her lifelong dedication to increasing diversity and creating pathways for underrepresented communities to enter the field has truly changed the game. Shana Watters has also played a key role in advancing this work and continues to be a source of inspiration. I am especially grateful to Dan Keefe, who founded the CS-IDEA Committee in 2019 and laid the foundation for much of our current DEI efforts. I’ve also been fortunate to receive the strong support from the department leadership Mats Heimdahl and Loren Terveen, and from Dean Andrew Alleyne at the college level, as well as CSE faculty and staff who have been incredible partners in this work; helping to ensure that our efforts are not only impactful but sustainable.”

Learn more about the College of Science and Engineering awards on their website.