Diane Souvaine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Diane L. Souvaine
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Diane Souvaine at the NSF 70th Anniversary Symposium, 2020
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | Radcliffe College Dartmouth College |
| Alma mater | Princeton University |
| Board member of | National Science Board |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Tufts University Rutgers University |
| Doctoral advisor | David P. Dobkin |
Diane L. Souvaine is a smart professor who teaches computer science at Tufts University. She also teaches math there. She is known for her important work in computer science and for helping more people get involved in science.
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What Diane Souvaine Studies
Diane Souvaine's main research area is called computational geometry. This is a field where people use computers to solve problems that involve shapes, spaces, and measurements.
How Computers Solve Shape Problems
Her work helps us understand how computers can deal with shapes and patterns. For example, it can be used in:
- Designing molecules: Using computers to build and study tiny molecules.
- Understanding data: Helping computers make sense of large amounts of information, especially when it involves shapes or positions.
Helping Others in Science
Diane Souvaine also works hard to make science fair for everyone. She has encouraged:
- Girls and women to study math and science.
- People from different backgrounds to join science careers.
- Teachers to make science lessons welcoming for all students.
Her Journey in Education
Diane Souvaine studied at several top universities. She went to Radcliffe College (which is part of Harvard University) and Dartmouth College.
Earning Her Ph.D.
She earned her Ph.D. (a very high degree) in 1986 from Princeton University. Her teacher there was David P. Dobkin.
Teaching and Leading at Universities
After getting her Ph.D., she became a professor at Rutgers University from 1986 to 1998. She also helped lead a science center called DIMACS for a few years. In 1998, she started teaching at Tufts University.
Leading Departments at Tufts
At Tufts, she was the head of the computer science department twice. She also became the Vice Provost for Research, which means she helped guide all the research projects at the university.
Leading in National Science
Diane Souvaine has played a big role in science beyond universities.
On the National Science Board
In 2008, she joined the National Science Board. This is a special group of 24 people who:
- Help run the National Science Foundation (NSF). The NSF gives money for science research in the United States.
- Give advice to the U.S. government about science.
She was even the leader of this important board from 2018 to 2020!
Advising Other Universities
She also gave advice to the computer science departments at the University of Vermont and Lehigh University.
Awards and Recognition
Diane Souvaine has received many awards for her amazing work.
Teaching Awards
In 2008, she won an award from Tufts University for being an excellent teacher and mentor to students.
Fellowships for Her Work
She has been named a "fellow" by several important science groups:
- In 2011, she became a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery. This was for her research in computational geometry and her help to the computer science community.
- In 2016, she became a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
- In 2020, the Association for Women in Mathematics made her a fellow. This was to honor her for always supporting and guiding women and other students who are often left out of math and science fields.
