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 an American computer scientist. She is also a former U.S. government official. From 1993 to 1997, she held an important role. She was the Director of Defense Research and Engineering. This job involved managing science and technology for the U.S. Department of Defense.
In 1994, she was chosen to be a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This was because of her work with computer software. It also recognized her many years of public service.
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Early Life and Family
Anita Jones was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She grew up in Houston. In 1960, she graduated from high school as the top student.
Her father was a petroleum engineer. He taught her to play chess. He also helped her with geometry problems. On weekends, they would go fishing together. He always encouraged her to choose a career that could make a real difference.
Her mother was a trained ballerina. She had danced in several Hollywood movies. She taught Anita to love painting and art.
Education Journey
Anita Jones went to several universities. In 1964, she earned a degree in Mathematics from Rice University. Later, in 1968, she received a Master of Arts degree. This was in English Literature from the University of Texas at Austin.
She then decided to study computer science. In 1973, she earned her Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. While studying there, she met her future husband, William A. Wulf.
Career Highlights
After getting her Ph.D., Anita Jones stayed at Carnegie Mellon. She worked there as a professor. In 1981, she co-founded a company called Tartan Laboratories. This company focused on computer compiler technology. Her husband, William A. Wulf, was also a founder. The company was later sold to Texas Instruments.
In 1989, she joined the University of Virginia faculty. But in 1993, she took a break to work for the U.S. government.
Leading Defense Research
From 1993 to 1997, Anita Jones was the Director of Defense Research and Engineering. This was a very important job. She was in charge of managing all science and technology programs for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Her responsibilities included overseeing the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). She also supervised the Department of Defense laboratories. She was the main advisor to the Secretary of Defense on science and technology. At that time, it was the highest technical job a woman had ever held in the Department of Defense.
She helped create a plan for defense modeling and simulation. This plan aimed to make sure different computer models could work together. It also helped them be reused for various projects.
After Government Service
After her time in government, she returned to the University of Virginia in 1997. She has written over 40 technical articles. She also published two books about computer software systems and cyber-security.
In 2010, she officially retired from her full-time role. However, she still stays involved with the university. She also continues to guide and support young women. She helps them pursue careers in technical fields.
She is also on the Board of Trustees for In-Q-Tel. This group helps national security agencies get new technologies.
Important Boards and Groups
Anita Jones has been a member of many important boards and groups. Since 2004, she has been part of the MIT Corporation. She is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering. Other groups include the Council on Foreign Relations and the National Science Foundation's National Science Board. She is also a member of the American Philosophical Society.
Awards and Recognition
Anita Jones has received many awards for her work.
- In 2004, she received the Augusta Ada Lovelace Award. This award is given by the Association of Women in Computing.
- She also received the Service Award from the Computing Research Association.
- The Air Force gave her the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
- The Department of Defense honored her with the Award for Distinguished Public Service.
- The U.S. Navy even named a seamount (an underwater mountain) after her in the North Pacific Ocean!
- In 2007, she received the IEEE Founders Medal.
- In 2012, she was awarded the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Philip Hauge Abelson award.
