​​Join us for an event featuring Sharon Nunes, who retired from IBM in 2012 where she helped to launch two global businesses for IBM. The conversation will be moderated by Jurij Paraszczak, Executive-in-Residence at the Center for Urban Science + Progress at NYU Tandon.

​​About the Speaker

​Dr. Sharon Nunes retired from IBM in 2012 after spending 28 years at IBM where she helped to launch two global businesses for IBM: Life Sciences (2001) and Big Green Innovations (2006).

​Her career began in Rochester, Minnesota in 1984, developing processes to make flexible circuits. After two years, she moved to IBM’s Research lab where she joined a team developing processes for making mainframe computer modules.

​Dr. Nunes had several assignments over the next decade, including software & network development for a K-12 program; and leading several software groups, focused on Computational Biology, Computer Vision and Computational Linguistics. The Computational Biology project became the foundation of IBM’s Life Sciences business in 2001.

​In 2006, Dr. Nunes led the creation of a new business for IBM, based on using IT to measure and monitor various aspects of natural bodies of water as well as municipal water systems. IBM’s Big Green Innovations became one of the of the foundations of IBM’s Smarter Planet Program, using IT to improve the efficiency of the electrical grid, water management, traffic systems and public safety.

​While at IBM, Dr. Nunes received numerous awards for mentoring and leadership. In 2009, she was named as a Women’s History Month “Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet” and was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame.

​Dr. Nunes was a National Academy of Engineering “Frontiers of Engineering” fellow and was a member of the National Academy of Engineering “Engineer of 2020” advisory board. In 2019, Dr. Nunes was one of 104 engineers worldwide to be elected into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

​Dr. Nunes is currently Co-chair of the Women of NAE program, as well as Co-chair of NAE’s Pathways to Engineering program which focuses on programs for K-12 students. She is also very involved in her local community, leading a non-profit in her hometown of Falmouth, Massachusetts and volunteering with several organizations.

​​About the Moderators

​Jurij Paraszczak is an Executive-in-Residence at CUSP at NYU Tandon. In this role, he establishes working connections between CUSP, industries, and governments, sharing years of industry expertise and leading urban research efforts across the world. While at IBM, Jurij helped Paul Horn, a Senior Provost of Research, to create the Center for Urban Science and Progress.

​​Visitor Information

​​This event will be held in the CUSP Learning Commons, located on the 13th Floor of 370 Jay St. Please visit the NYU Tandon website for directions and a campus map. Advance registration through Luma is required for campus access at NYU for external guests.