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Researchers work to create computer 'study buddies'. Researchers are trying to make computer study buddies to help under-represented females feel more comfortable in computer science classes. Among the questions posed:

Can this computer student “peer” find acceptance among female undergraduates, whose enrollment numbers in computer science are on the decline?
Barbara Di Eugenio, associate professor of computer science, thinks so.

And finally the money quote:

“For many women, [computer science is] like an alien culture. They often feel like they don’t belong in computer science,” said Di Eugenio of the male-dominated computer field.

“If the computer can act as a nonthreatening peer, then maybe women will find it more helpful.”

This view is of course based on research that shows it is easier to socialize computers than computer geeks.