Anita K. Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anita K. Jones
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Anita K. Jones (1993)
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| Born | March 10, 1942 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | - Rice University (A.B. in Mathematics, 1964) - University of Texas at Austin (M.A. in English Literature, 1968) - Carnegie Mellon University (Ph.D. in Computer Science, 1973) |
| Occupation | computer scientist, professor, government official |
| Known for | Director of Defense Research and Engineering of the U.S. Department of Defense |
| Spouse(s) | William Wulf |
| Children | 2 |
Anita Katherine Jones, born on March 10, 1942, is a brilliant American computer scientist. She also served as an important official in the U.S. government. From 1993 to 1997, she was the Director of Defense Research and Engineering. This role meant she was in charge of science and technology for the U.S. Department of Defense.
In 1994, Dr. Jones was chosen to be a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This honor recognized her amazing work in creating computer software systems. It also celebrated her many years of public service.
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Growing Up and Early Life
Anita Jones was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in Houston. Her father, who was a petroleum engineer, really encouraged her. He wanted her to choose a career where she could make a big difference. He taught her how to play chess and helped her with math problems. On weekends, they would go fishing together.
Her mother, who used to be a ballerina, taught Anita to love painting. Anita was a very bright student. She graduated at the top of her high school class in 1960.
Her Journey in Education
Anita Jones studied at several top universities. In 1964, she earned a degree in Mathematics from Rice University. Later, in 1968, she received a Master of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of Texas at Austin.
She then went on to get her Ph.D. in computer science. She earned this advanced degree from Carnegie Mellon University in 1973. While studying there, she met her future husband, William Wulf.
A Career in Computer Science and Government
After finishing her Ph.D., Dr. Jones stayed at Carnegie Mellon University. She worked there as a professor. In 1981, she helped start a company called Tartan Laboratories. This company focused on creating special computer programs called compilers. She was a vice president there.
In 1989, she joined the faculty at the University of Virginia. However, she took a break from teaching in June 1993. This was to take on a very important job in the U.S. government.
Leading Defense Technology
As the Director of Defense Research and Engineering, Dr. Jones was responsible for managing science and technology programs. This included overseeing the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). DARPA helps create new technologies for the military. She also advised the Secretary of Defense on scientific matters.
At that time, her position was the highest technical job ever held by a woman in the Department of Defense. She returned to the University of Virginia in 1997. Dr. Jones has written over 40 technical articles and two books. These works focus on computer software systems and cyber-security.
She also helped improve how defense models and simulations worked together. This led to the creation of the High Level Architecture, which made these systems more useful.
Retirement and Continued Influence
Dr. Jones officially retired in 2010. However, she still stays involved with the university. She also continues to guide and support young women who are interested in technical fields.
She serves on the Board of Trustees for In-Q-Tel. This organization helps bring new technologies to national security agencies.
Important Board Memberships
Dr. Jones has been a member of many important boards and organizations. Since 2004, she has been part of the MIT Corporation. She was also a trustee of the MITRE Corporation from 1988 to 1992.
She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the Council on Foreign Relations. She also belongs to the National Science Foundation's National Science Board.
Recognized for Her Contributions
Dr. Jones has received many awards for her outstanding work. In 2004, she was given the Augusta Ada Lovelace Award. This award honors women who have made significant contributions to computing.
She also received the Computing Research Association's Service Award. The Air Force and the Department of Defense have also honored her for her public service. The U.S. Navy even named an underwater mountain, called a seamount, after her in the North Pacific Ocean!
In 2007, she received the IEEE Founders Medal. She was also awarded the American Association for the Advancement of Science's 2012 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize.
