Sharon Nunes is currently Vice President of Big Green Innovations in IBM. This organization was commissioned by IBM's chairman in November 2006 and was given the mission to launch new businesses for IBM using our information technology expertise, and materials & processing expertise to solve critical problems around environmental issues. For the past two years, Sharon has led a worldwide team of IT and domain experts who are developing solutions in carbon management, photovoltaics and water management. Together with clients and partners, IBM is demonstrating how information technology plays a critical role in managing the world's critical resources.
Sharon has held numerous executive positions leading new growth initiatives in IBM. She spent one year on special assignment in CHQ as Vice President of Technology, working with IBM's Chairman and the senior executive team to set the technical agenda for the company. She has held many management positions in IBM in Research and Development, including hardware and software development. Sharon launched and led IBM's Computational Biology Center in 1997, and was one of the executive leaders of the Life Sciences business unit which was launched in 2000.
Sharon received her PhD in Materials Science in 1983 from the University of Connecticut. She has held numerous academic advisory board positions, and is currently a member of the Engineering Advisory Committee at the University of Connecticut, and a member of the Board of Directors for the University of Connecticut Foundation. Sharon is also on the Board of Advisors for the USC Marshall Center for Global Innovation, was a National Academy of Engineering "Frontiers of Engineering" fellow in 2000 and has been a member of the National Academy of Engineering "Engineer of 2020" advisory board. In 2006 Sharon was inducted into the University of Connecticut Academy of Engineering for distinguished engineers.
Sharon is an advocate for women in technology, and is a recipient of two awards for her active role in mentoring technical women. In 2004 Sharon was awarded IBM's Fran Allen Mentoring Award and in 2006, Sharon was named a NAFE "Women of Excellence" national award winner for her impact in mentoring technical women. In 2009, she was recognized as a Women's History Month Honoree as one of the "Women Taking the Lead to Save our Planet". Sharon is a leader on the IBM Women in Technology team, and a member of IBM's executive advisory council for SWE (Society of Women Engineers). In June 2009 will be inducted into the WITI (Women in Technology International) Hall of Fame.