Elizabeth Mynatt facts for kids

Elizabeth D. "Beth" Mynatt (born July 12, 1966) is a leading computer scientist. She is known for her work in making computers easier for people to use. She also researches how technology can help people in their daily lives.

Currently, she is the Dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences at Northeastern University. Before this, she held important roles at the Georgia Tech. In 2024, she became a member of the respected American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Her research focuses on how people and computers interact. This includes areas like ubiquitous computing (computers everywhere). She also works on health informatics (using tech for health) and assistive technology (tech that helps people with disabilities). For example, she helped create ways for blind computer users to use modern apps.

Early Life and Education

Beth Mynatt was born in Knoxville, Tennessee. She loved learning about computers from a young age.

College Studies

She went to North Carolina State University. In 1988, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She studied computer science and graduated with top honors.

Graduate School

She then attended the Georgia Institute of Technology. She received her master's degree in 1989. In 1995, she earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science there. Her main advisor was James D. Foley.

Her Ph.D. Research

For her Ph.D., Beth Mynatt worked on "Audio GUIs." This project helped transform visual computer programs into sound-based ones. It allowed blind users to understand and interact with graphical interfaces.

Career in Computing

After finishing her Ph.D., Beth Mynatt worked at Xerox PARC. This was a famous research center. In 1998, she returned to Georgia Tech. She became a professor there.

Leadership Roles at Georgia Tech

Beth Mynatt held many important leadership roles at Georgia Tech. From 2005 to 2011, she directed the GVU Center. This center focuses on graphics, visualization, and usability. She also led the Aware Home Research Initiative. This project looked at how future home technologies could help people.

Everyday Computing Research

She also directed the "Everyday Computing" research program. This program explored how computers are always around us. It looked at how technology affects our daily lives. Her research helps people work together better in offices. It also helps with creative tasks and sharing information.

Helping Older Adults

A big part of her work is helping older adults. She researches how technology can let them live independently. This means they can stay in their own homes longer. She also looks at how tech can help with long-term health care.

Teaching and Publications

Beth Mynatt taught many courses. These included classes on how people use computers. She also taught about mobile and ubiquitous computing. She helped create new Ph.D. and master's programs. These programs focused on human-centered computing.

She has written over 100 articles and book chapters. Her work is published in top computer science journals. She is known as an expert in ubiquitous computing and assistive technology.

Awards and Recognition

Beth Mynatt has received many awards. She is a Sloan Research Fellow. She has also received grants from the National Science Foundation. These grants help fund her research. She also got a Google Research Award. This award helped her study how people manage diabetes.

In 2015, she became a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery. This was for her work in human-centered computing. It also recognized her contributions to health information technologies. In 2021, she was named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dean at Northeastern University

In January 2022, she became the Dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences. This is at Northeastern University. She introduced an "Ethical Oath for Computer Professionals." This oath helps students think about the right way to use technology. All graduating students at Khoury College now recite this oath.

Selected Publications

• Charting past, present, and future research in ubiquitous computing (2000)
• The Aware Home: A Living Laboratory for Ubiquitous Computing Research (1999)
• Digital family portraits: supporting peace of mind for extended family members (2001)
• Increasing Opportunities for Aging in Place (2000)

Personal Life

Beth Mynatt is married to Blair MacIntyre. They have two children together.