Sharp began working on the kernel in 2006 as an undergraduate at Portland State University, and later through an Intel undergraduate research grant.[4] Sharp's contributions to the kernel include writing and acting as a maintainer for its USB 3.0driver.[5][6] In 2015, Sharp recommended that the Linux project adopt a code of conduct for Linux developers; Linus Torvalds adopted a "code of conflict" instead.[7][8] Sharp stepped down from direct work on the kernel on 5 October 2015, citing the abrasive communication style and "abusive commentary [on submitted patches]" of the maintainer community.[5][9][10][11]
Sharp was a volunteer co-coordinator of the Outreachy project,[12] and led a team contributing to the Linux kernel for the project's June 2013 internships.[13] Through their consultancy Otter Tech LLC, they work with Outreachy in a paid capacity, providing code of conduct enforcement training and incidence response workshops.[14][15]
Sharp won the first annual Red Hat Women in Open Source Community Award in 2015 for "efforts in improving communications and inviting women into open source communities"[16] and the 2016 O'Reilly Open Source Award for accomplishments in the open source community.[12]
Early years
Sharp grew up in Rainier, Oregon,[17] and attended Portland State University as an undergraduate. While at Portland State University, Sharp worked on the Linux kernel for senior elective credits.[4]
