Jeanne Ferrante facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jeanne Ferrante
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Ferrante in 2023
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| Born | January 3, 1949 |
| Education | BA, natural sciences, 1969, Hofstra University PhD, mathematics, 1974, Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Spouse(s) | Larry Carter |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Jacobs School of Engineering Tufts University |
| Thesis | Some upper and lower bounds on decision procedures in logic |
Jeanne Ferrante (born January 3, 1949) is an American computer scientist. She is known for her work with compilers, which are special programs that turn computer code into something a computer can understand. As a professor at the University of California, San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering, she helped make computers work faster and more efficiently.
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Early Life and Learning
Jeanne Ferrante was born on January 3, 1949. She earned her first degree in natural sciences from Hofstra University in 1969. Later, in 1974, she received her PhD in mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). When she was in college, Jeanne first wanted to be a high school chemistry teacher. However, one of her female professors encouraged her to study mathematics instead.
Her Career in Computer Science
After finishing her PhD, Ferrante taught at Tufts University until 1978. Then, she joined IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center as a researcher. At IBM, she worked on complex math problems related to how computers process information.
Developing the SSA Form
In the 1980s, Jeanne Ferrante worked with other researchers at IBM. Together, they created something called the Static Single Assignment form (SSA). The SSA is a special way to organize computer code. It helps computers change a user's program into machine code more efficiently. This means programs can run faster and smoother.
For her important work on the SSA form, Ferrante received an award in 2006. It was the SIGPLAN Programming Languages Achievement Award from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Moving to UCSD
In 1992, Ferrante and her husband, Larry Carter, decided to look for jobs at universities. They learned about big changes happening at IBM's research department. A fellow computer scientist, Francine Berman, suggested they apply to the University of California, San Diego's (UCSD) Jacobs School of Engineering. In 1994, both Jeanne and Larry were offered jobs as full professors there.
Leadership and Encouraging Women in STEM
After joining UCSD, Ferrante became the Chair of the Computer Science and Engineering Department from 1996 to 1999. In her first year as chair, she was chosen as a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). This is a high honor for computer scientists.
From 2002 to 2013, she served as the Associate Dean of Engineering at UCSD. In this role, Ferrante worked hard to create programs that would encourage more women to study science and engineering.
- In 2004, she started the Teams in Engineering Service (TIES) program. This program connects UCSD college students with non-profit groups in San Diego. The students help these groups solve technology problems for their communities.
- Also in 2004, Ferrante was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This was for her work in making compilers better and faster. She became one of the few professors at UCSD to be a Fellow of both the IEEE and the ACM at the same time.
Later, Ferrante helped lead a program called Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST). This program created an online science game for middle and high school girls. Because of her efforts, she received the 2007 Athena Educator Pinnacle Award.
In 2008, Ferrante was given a new important role: Associate Vice Chancellor for Faculty Equity. This position was created to help make the university more fair and diverse. In 2012, she was one of three professors to receive a Diversity Award for her work in promoting fairness and variety on the UCSD campus.
Jeanne Ferrante continued to be active at the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering until 2014. After that, she became a professor Emeritus, which means she retired but still holds an honorary title.
