GRACIE ERMI
SOFTWARE ENGINEER
IF/THEN Series
Gracie Ermi writes computer code that helps protect endangered animals. She teaches computers to recognize animals in overhead images, even if they are from really far away - kind of like Where’s Waldo!
Ermi is currently working on a project where scientists can take pictures of endangered killer whales and do a health check-up without disturbing the animal at all! This data can help scientists and governments protect the whales.
Ermi believes everyone needs to be a part of solving problems using technology. She says “I didn't learn how to code until I got to college! I never thought I would like coding because I wasn’t interested in video games or tinkering with computers, but I learned that you don’t need to have those interests to be great at coding. Coding is simply an awesome tool to help you build solutions to problems that you care about!”
Ermi wants to know that she loves to knit and has made sweaters, scarves, socks, and even a knitted killer whale.
Educational Pathway: Ermi studied computer science in college and for her master's degree.
Name Pronunciation: Hear the correct pronunciation of Ermi’s name in her IF/THEN Ambassador videos.
Further resources
(some links may be repeated from above)
Read: “Meet the Woman Modernizing the Way We Protect Orcas,” from Vulcan Inc.
Watch: Ermi on “How Can Coding Save Orca Whales?” From GoldieBlox’s Curiosity Camp.
Watch “Learn to Code and Save the Whales” from Exploring By The Seat Of Your Pants.
Watch “STEM Careers. Gracie Ermi, Software Engineer” from Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Follow her on Twitter: @gracieermi
Follow her on Instagram: @gracieermi