Professor Debra J. Richardson Retires

Congratulations to Prof. Debra J. Richardson as she retires from UCI!  Richardson has led a distinguished career at UC Irvine with numerous accomplishments along the way.  During her 28 years at UCI, she served as the Founding Dean of the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, and prior to that, as Chair of the independent Department of Information and Computer Science.  Richardson has graduated fifteen Ph.D. students and seven Masters degree students, who have gone on to successful careers as well.  She has authored over 140 refereed book chapters, journal articles, and conference papers.

Richardson has been a leader in software engineering research for many years.  She pioneered research in specification-based testing, whereby formal specifications are employed to guide software testing.  She has focused on enabling specification-based testing technology throughout the software lifecycle, from requirements and architecture analysis through operation and evolution. Her research was recognized by designation as a Fellow of Automated Software Engineering for significant and sustained contributions to the ASE Community, through scientific accomplishments and community service.

Though retired, Richardson is active at UCI as a Professor Emeritus and continues her research in areas including: increasing the participation of women and minorities in STEM fields, especially in computing – as featured in the ISR Connector Fall/Winter 2014 issue; software engineering for sustainability – as featured in the ISR Connector Spring/Summer 2013 issue; and information and communication technology (ICT) support for human development in less economically developed regions.  She continues to advise both Ph.D. and Masters students.