Sage Sharp facts for kids

Sage Sharp (formerly Sarah Sharp) is an American software engineer. They are known for their important work on the Linux kernel. The Linux kernel is like the main brain of the Linux operating system, which powers many computers and devices. Sage also served on the Linux Foundation's Technical Advisory Board for two years. Sage is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns.

Sage started working on the Linux kernel in 2006 while studying at Portland State University. They even received a special grant from Intel to continue their research. Sage helped create and look after the USB 3.0 driver for the kernel. A device driver is like a set of instructions that helps your computer talk to devices, like a USB stick.

In 2015, Sage suggested that the Linux project should have a "code of conduct." This is a set of rules to help people work together kindly and respectfully. However, the creator of Linux, Linus Torvalds, chose a "code of conflict" instead. On October 5, 2015, Sage decided to stop working directly on the kernel. They felt that the way people communicated in the Linux community was sometimes harsh.

Sage was also a volunteer leader for a project called Outreachy. This project helps people from groups that are often left out get involved in open source software. Through their company, Otter Tech LLC, Sage now helps Outreachy by teaching about codes of conduct. They also help with how to respond when problems happen in online communities.

Awards and Recognition

Sage Sharp has received several awards for their work. In 2015, they won the first Red Hat Women in Open Source Community Award. This award recognized their efforts to make communication better and welcome more women into open source communities. Open source means software that anyone can see, change, and share.

In 2016, Sage also won the O'Reilly Open Source Award. This award celebrated their many achievements in the open source community.

Early Life and Education

Sage grew up in Rainier, Oregon. They later attended Portland State University for their college studies. While at Portland State University, Sage worked on the Linux kernel. This work counted towards their senior elective credits.