Hélène Martin, UW computer science lecturer. Yes, that's her bike. (Photo by Red Box Pictures)

Hélène Martin taught hundreds of high-school students the power of computer programming during her two years teaching computer science at Garfield High in Seattle, inspiring many to pursue degrees in technology. Now a lecturer in the UW’s Computer Science & Engineering Department, she continues to shape the next generation of geeks.

Her advice: “Find what you care about and pursue it obsessively.”

Editor’s Note: GeekWire has identified more than a dozen “Geeks Who Give Back” — people who work in non-profits, mentor others and invest in the future of the tech community. They were all featured in the GeekWire 2012 Calendar, given out at the recent GeekWire Gala. As 2011 draws to a close, we’ll highlight one of them every day, along with photography by Seattle’s Red Box Pictures.

Hélène Martin is our calendar honoree for September. See this archive of the profiles we’ve published so far.

Thanks to our calendar sponsor for the month of September, Comcast, for helping to make this project possible. Stay tuned for more honorees and photos in the days ahead.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.