Judy Butland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Judy Butland
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| Born |
Judy Whiteley
6 October 1940 Leeds
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| Died | January 2019 |
| Education | Cockburn High School, University of Manchester College of Science and Technology |
| Occupation | Engineering Software Designer |
| Spouse(s) | David Butland |
Judy Butland (born Whiteley) (1940-2019) was a British expert in computer software design for engineering. She was a pioneer in using computers at universities. In 2019, the Women's Engineering Society recognized her as an "Engineer of the Week."
Contents
Judy Butland's Early Life and Education
Judy Whiteley was born in Leeds, England. Her father, George Whiteley, was a draughtsman (someone who draws detailed plans), and her mother, Margaret Whiteley, was a seamstress (someone who sews clothes).
Judy faced challenges with arthritis throughout her life. When she was 12 to 14 years old, she had to stay in bed at a children's hospital. Even though she faced this difficulty, she went on to study mathematics at the Manchester College of Science and Technology. She studied for three years, but she found the lectures a bit boring and decided not to finish her degree.
Judy Butland's Exciting Career in Software
Judy Butland's first job was at Associated Electrical Industries in Manchester. She worked in the Information and Exchange section. Her role was to summarize technical articles and papers from science and engineering magazines. This meant she read complex information and wrote shorter, easier-to-understand versions.
Helping Businesses with Computers
In 1967, Judy started working at the Manchester Business School. She was a Mathematical Assistant to Winifred Hackett, who was an aeronautical engineer (someone who designs airplanes). Judy helped with many projects, including planning how to build airplanes more efficiently. This work involved a lot of complex math.
Because of this, Winifred Hackett encouraged Judy to learn about computers. This led Judy to start her career in software engineering. She became an expert in using computers. She also helped other groups at the Business School with their computer needs. For example, she worked with the librarian to use computers to organize books and papers automatically.
Creating Her Own Software Company
Later, Judy Butland moved to the University of Bradford. There, she worked to make computer programs better for research projects. She even earned a special degree called an M.Phil. for her work. For this degree, she created tools that could turn research data into clear charts and graphs.
Judy then decided to start her own company called Bradford University Software Services (BUSS). She sold a special computer program she developed called SimplePlot. The money earned from selling SimplePlot helped support the university department's important work.
Judy Butland's Personal Life
In 1964, Judy Whiteley married David Butland. They had met while studying at the University of Manchester. They had one son named Philip.
Judy Butland passed away in January 2019. Her funeral was held in Bridlington, Yorkshire.
How Judy Butland Was Honored
In October 2019, after her passing, Judy Butland was recognized as "Engineer of the Week No 89" by the Women's Engineering Society. This honor highlighted her important contributions to engineering and computer software.
