Lenore Blum

Lenore Blum ’63 (née Epstein, born 1942) is a computer scientist and mathematician who currently serves as Professor in Residence of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Simmons, she received her doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Blum’s research illuminates the theories of real number computation, cryptography, and pseudorandom number generation. Previously, she held professorial positions at Mills College, the CUNY Graduate Center, and Carnegie Mellon University.

As a woman in STEM during the 20th century, Blum faced considerable obstacles. Some of the country’s top graduate programs did not accept female students, whereas some universities did not offer permanent faculty positions to women in Blum’s field. Throughout her career, Blum helped advance diversity in mathematics and computer science. In 1971, she co-founded the Association for Women in Mathematics, and at Carnegie Mellon University she helped establish networks of support and mentorship for women in STEM. In 2005, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. Bestowed upon her by President George W. Bush, this award recognizes Blum’s “efforts to mentor girls and women in technology fields where traditionally they are underrepresented.” In 2018, she received the Distinguished Alumnae/i Lifetime Achievement Award from Simmons University.