Nanette Veilleux is a professor in the Division of Mathematics, Computing, and Statistics at Simmons University. She is a devoted mentor to her students, frequently involving them in her research projects in computational models of speech, and investigations of pedagogical methods in STEM education. From 2005 to 2018, she has annually applied for and received Collaborative Research Experience for Undergraduate grants as a faculty mentor. Dr. Veilleux organizes an annual hackathon for students at Simmons, and brings a group of Simmons undergraduates to the Grace Hopper or Tapia conference every year. Dr. Veilleux reaches beyond the classroom to connect her students to projects that will broaden their interests and experiences. She has been tireless in her efforts to recruit and retain women in the field of Computer Science, going out of her way to expose students to subject matter they may not have previously considered. In May 2018 and 2019, Dr. Veilleux traveled to Rwanda with SLIS Associate Professor Lisa Hussey, where they worked with students and teachers at the Maranyundo Girls School in Nyamata. Dr. Veilleux trained students as lab curators, to encourage students to use the computer lab independently. She also worked with students on developing ideas for their final projects, and advised several students on the development of computer programming and applications. Dr. Veilleux’s passion for teaching has informed her research; in 2016, she co-authored “Belonging and Academic Engagement Among Undergraduate STEM Students: A Multi-Institutional Study.” She is dedicated to fostering interest in her field and encouraging students to deepen their knowledge with research. This nurturing begins with stellar instruction, which Dr. Veilleux has been delivering to Simmons students with passion, humor, and patience since 2005.
