Loretta Moore
M.S. in Computer Science, 1986; Ph.D., 1991
Loretta Moore has served in a principal role on research contracts and grants totaling more than $5 million from agencies such as the United States Department of Homeland Security, the National Science Foundation, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Headquarters. But she admits that she never saw herself as a full-time academic until Martha Evens, professor of computer science, emerita, encouraged her to return to the university to pursue her doctorate. Now, Moore is passionate about paying it forward in her own way.
"I am active in efforts to increase the number of African Americans with Ph.D.s in computer science, and have organized and participated in numerous workshops to build opportunities for minority-serving institutions," explains Moore, who received a 2010 IIT Professional Achievement Award for her efforts.
Before entering academia, Moore was employed on the technical staff of AT&T Bell Laboratories. She says her mother as well as her five siblings, all of whom work in the fields of education, medicine, or community service, continually inspire her. Moore also tutors students in mathematics and science.