Andrea Danyluk

Andrea Pohoreckyj Danyluk was a prominent American computer scientist and educator, serving as the Mary A. and William Wirt Warren Professor of Computer Science at Williams College until her passing on March 3, 2022. She was born on March 1, 1963, and grew up on Long Island, New York. Danyluk earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics and computer science from Vassar College in 1984 and completed her Ph.D. in computer science at Columbia University in 1989, focusing on machine learning.12

Danyluk joined Williams College in 1993 as the first woman on the computer science faculty. Over her nearly three-decade career, she held several leadership roles, including chairing the computer science department and serving as acting dean of the faculty. She was recognized for her contributions to broadening participation in computing, particularly through her work with the Computing Research Association, where she co-chaired the Committee on Widening Participation in Computing Research.123

Her research interests included machine learning applications, systematic data error effects on inductive learning, and the evaluation of learning algorithms. Danyluk was also a co-author of the textbook Java: An Eventful Approach, which has influenced computer science education significantly.145

Danyluk's legacy includes her commitment to mentoring students and advocating for diversity in computer science. She was awarded the A. Nico Habermann Award posthumously in recognition of her efforts to support underrepresented groups in computing research.236