This month, we’re excited to recognize the achievements of women in STEM! Dr. Amanda Martin completed the Doctor of Science in Computer Science program in February 2021. In spite of challenges along the way, she has attained success in her field and works at a prestigious tech non-profit. Read on for her story!
Growing up in rural Arizona, technology felt like a distant and unfamiliar world. My family, deeply rooted in farming, didn’t have computers and weren’t the college-going type. Education seemed practical, not transformative, and certainly not tied to technology. It wasn’t until I entered college against my family’s wishes, but with the support of a counselor, that I experienced firsthand how access to education could open doors and reshape lives. I could never have imagined that institutions like ˿Ƶ existed, offering flexible, fully online programs tailored for people like me. Aspen’s supportive environment proved that education could not only transform my own life but also empower me to help others do the same.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a desire to push boundaries, I pursued the most challenging academic path I could imagine: earning a Doctorate in Astrophysics. Along the way, I earned an AS and two BS degrees, often finding myself the only woman in the room—a reality that fueled my determination to excel and break barriers. After three years in the PhD program, however, my path took an unexpected turn. My mentor, someone I had deeply admired, told me that by choosing to focus on starting a family, I was signaling a lack of commitment to my doctorate. Heartbroken and disillusioned, I made the difficult decision to leave the program. Determined not to let this setback define me, I shifted my energy toward my other passion—helping others. I began teaching technology and science in rural Colorado, a community much like the one I grew up in, where students often struggled to see the value of education.
After a decade of teaching, I found myself yearning to do more. I read an article about a Computer Science student who developed a program to help better place refugees, enabling them to build stable lives and find meaningful work. It reminded me of the transformative power of technology to solve real-world problems and reignited my determination to make a greater impact. Motivated to push the boundaries of what technology could achieve, I enrolled at ˿Ƶ in 2018 to earn my Doctorate in Computer Science. Having left my previous doctorate program, I felt unsure of my ability to succeed, but Aspen’s flexible format and supportive community reignited my confidence. Under the mentorship of Dr. Jimmie Flores, a role model whose expertise in business, technology, and education inspired me, I thrived. Balancing full-time teaching, raising two children, and completing rigorous coursework was no easy feat, but Aspen’s mission to empower learners helped me stay the course and graduate in 2021.
Today, as Dr. Amanda Martin, I am a Director of Program Management at the , where I work to advance open source and collaborate with diverse communities to tackle global challenges. My journey has come full circle, combining my love for technology, education, and helping others. Reflecting on my path, I see that every setback and triumph has strengthened my resolve to empower others through technology and education.
Whether it’s teaching students, leading projects, or building connections across communities, my story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that education can open doors not just for oneself but for entire generations. ˿Ƶ played a pivotal role in this journey, and my hope is to inspire others to recognize the potential within themselves and the transformative power of lifelong learning.
Dr. Martin’s story is a telling example of why supporting the participation of women in STEM fields is crucial. From expanding perspectives to creating role models for future generations, having women in STEM is essential for a thriving, innovative, and inclusive society. Additionally, no one should be told that they cannot raise a family while pursuing higher education; that’s why ˿Ƶ is designed to work for adult learners, who are working and supporting families while attending school.
If you’re feeling inspired to earn a degree that can lead to helping others and solving worldwide problems, learn more about Aspen’s technology programs here! Ready to apply? There are no application fees or seasonal deadlines. Fill out the application in just a few easy steps online !