Nathan Ensmenger
Nathan Ensmenger, an associate professor at the School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, has been named the chair of the Department of Informatics.
Ensmenger replaces Erik Stolterman, who transitioned to become the senior executive associate dean for SICE. Ensmenger previously was associate chair of informatics and has been with SICE since 2012.
“Nathan has been an asset to our School since his arrival, and I’m confident his leadership will help Informatics continue to grow,” said Raj Acharya, dean of SICE. “Erik’s contributions to the department can’t be overstated, and they have helped set a solid foundation for Nathan to continue to build this essential program.”
Ensmenger’s research at IU focuses on the history of computing, the organizational dynamics of software development, and on computing and the environment He is the author of “The Computer Boys Take Over: Computers, Programmers, and the Politics of Technical Expertise” and a co-author of the most recent edition of “Computer: A History of the Information Machine.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to give back to the School and the Department of Informatics in such a meaningful way,” said Ensmenger, who earned his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. “It has been a thrill to see the field of informatics develop over the past several years, and I’m dedicated to guiding the best program for both the students and the School.”
Ensmenger’s work on gender roles in computing recently was featured in media reports around the world, including the New York Times, Time Magazine, Bloomberg News and the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’d like to thank Nathan for taking on this role, and I know he’ll do an outstanding job,” said David Leake, executive associate dean at SICE. “I’d also like to thank Erik for his continuing outstanding service to the School as senior executive dean and for performing both roles during this transition period.”
For more information on the informatics department at SICE, visit our website.