Janet Abbate

About the Author

Janet Abbate is a distinguished historian of technology whose work illuminates the intricate interplay between gender, innovation, and the evolution of computing. With a PhD in the history of science from the University of Pennsylvania, she has dedicated her career to uncovering the overlooked contributions of women in the male-dominated field of computer science. Abbate's research draws on archival sources, oral histories, and sociological analysis to challenge prevailing narratives and highlight how societal norms have shaped technological development. As a professor at Virginia Tech, she continues to mentor the next generation of scholars while advocating for greater diversity in STEM. Her seminal book, Recoding Gender: Women's Changing Participation in Computing, remains a cornerstone text for understanding the historical barriers and breakthroughs faced by women in technology.