Kathleen Lehman

Kathleen Lehman serves as Assistant Academic Researcher and Associate Director of Momentum: Accelerating Equity in Computing and Technology in the School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA in 2017, Master of Arts in Higher Education and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University in 2009, and Bachelor of Arts in French from Miami University in 2007. Her academic career at UCLA spans over a decade, beginning as Research Analyst on the NSF-funded project Trends in Determinants of Gender Segregation across STEM Majors (1976–2011) in 2012–2013, followed by Project Manager roles in 2013–2014 and as Graduate Student Researcher and Project Manager for the BRAID initiative from 2014–2017. After completing her doctorate, she advanced to Postdoctoral Scholar and Associate Director of Momentum from 2017–2020, Assistant Academic Researcher and Associate Director from 2020–2023, and Assistant Adjunct Professor and Academic Researcher in Spring 2024.

Lehman's research specializations include broadening participation in undergraduate computing, gender gaps in STEM, equity-focused longitudinal studies in computing, student persistence among women and racially/ethnically minoritized groups, faculty practices addressing computing gender gaps, and the impact of living-learning programs on STEM engagement. Key publications encompass 'Anatomy of an enduring gender gap: The evolution of women’s participation in computer science' (Sax et al., 2017), 'Sense of belonging in computing: The role of introductory courses for women and underrepresented minority students' (Sax et al., 2018), 'Developing the next generation of diverse computer scientists: The need for enhanced, intersectional computing identity theory' (Rodriguez & Lehman, 2017), 'Women planning to major in computer science: Who are they and what makes them unique?' (Lehman, Sax, & Zimmerman, 2017), and 'Women in physics: A comparison to science, technology, engineering, and math education over four decades' (Sax et al., 2016). Her scholarship has garnered significant influence, with highly cited works shaping discussions on diversity in computing education. Lehman has received honors including selection for the Computing Research Association Widening Participation in Computing Mid-Career Workshop (2023), Association for the Study of Higher Education Early Career Faculty Workshop (2018), UCLA Graduate Research Mentorship Award (2013), and Helen S. Astin Fellowship (2011). Prior to UCLA, she held student affairs positions such as Residence Education Coordinator at University of North Carolina, Charlotte (2009–2012) and Assistant Hall Director at The Ohio State University (2007–2009).

Professional Email: kathleen.lehman@ucla.edu