Kirsten Morris facts for kids
Kirsten Anna Morris, born in 1960, is a Canadian scientist who works with applied mathematics. This is a type of math used to solve real-world problems. She is an expert in control theory, which is about making systems work the way we want them to. For example, she studies how to control things like flexible structures or "smart materials." She teaches at the University of Waterloo and has written books about control theory. She is also recognized as an IEEE Fellow, which is a special honor for engineers.
Becoming a Scientist
Kirsten Morris first went to Queen's University at Kingston. She planned to study math for economics. But after a year, she found she liked the math and engineering side more. She finished her degree in 1982.
She then became very interested in control theory. This happened while she was studying for her master's degree at the University of Waterloo. She finished her master's in 1984. She then continued her studies at Waterloo and earned her Ph.D. in 1989. Her Ph.D. work was about controlling complex systems.
Working and Teaching
After her studies, Kirsten Morris worked for a year at the NASA Langley Research Center. NASA is the space agency in the United States.
In 1990, she returned to the University of Waterloo. She became a professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics. By 2003, she became a full professor. She also works with the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering.
She has held important roles in big science groups. From 2018 to 2019, she led a group called the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Activity Group on Control and Systems. She has also been a leader in the IEEE Control Systems Society and the International Federation of Automatic Control. These groups help scientists and engineers share new ideas.
Books She Wrote
Kirsten Morris has written several books about control theory. These books help students and other scientists learn about the field.
- Introduction to Feedback Control (2001)
- Controller Design for Distributed Parameter Systems (2020)
She also helped edit a book called Control of Flexible Structures (1993).
Special Awards
Kirsten Morris has received special honors for her work.
- In 2020, she was named an IEEE Fellow. This award is given by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It recognized her work in designing ways to control complex systems.
- In 2021, she was named a SIAM Fellow. This award is from the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. It recognized her contributions to modeling and controlling different types of systems.
- She is also a Fellow of the International Federation of Automatic Control.
