Margaret Burnett facts for kids

Margaret M. Burnett, born in 1949, is a brilliant computer scientist. She is known for her amazing work that combines how people use computers with how software is built. She helped create new ways for people to make their own computer programs. She also made sure that software is fair and easy for everyone to use, no matter their gender. She is a top professor at Oregon State University. She is also a member of the CHI Academy and a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery.

Early Life and Learning

Margaret Burnett was born in 1949 in Springfield, Illinois. She went to Miami University of Ohio from 1967 to 1970. She first studied computer science but later focused on mathematics.

After college, she became a software engineer at Procter & Gamble. She was the first woman hired in a management role at their factory in Cincinnati, Ohio. Later, she moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and started her own business. Then she moved to Lawrence, Kansas.

Becoming a Computer Science Expert

In Kansas, Margaret went back to school at the University of Kansas. She earned her master's degree in 1981. She then worked as a consultant and started a small business. She returned to the University of Kansas for her Ph.D., which she finished in 1987. Her Ph.D. work was about making computer programs that you can see and interact with visually.

After getting her Ph.D., she became a computer science professor. She taught at Michigan Technological University. In 1993, she joined the Computer Science Department at Oregon State University. She and Cherri M. Pancake were the first two women hired as full-time computer science professors there.

Making a Difference

Margaret Burnett has always worked to help others. As a student, she started a group for professional women in Lawrence, Kansas. This group, called the Lawrence Women's Network, is still active today. It helps women connect and support each other.

In the early 2000s, she began to create ways to check if software is fair for everyone. This means making sure software does not have hidden biases against certain genders. She has given many important talks about making software and the software industry more welcoming for all.

Awards and Honors

Margaret Burnett has received many awards for her important work. In 2016, she became a Distinguished Professor at Oregon State University. This is a very high honor for a professor. In the same year, she was also named to the CHI Academy. This group recognizes top leaders in human-computer interaction.

In 2017, she was chosen as a Fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery. This award recognized her work in making software easier for everyday users. It also honored her efforts to understand gender biases in software. She was also recognized for helping more people get involved in computing. In 2023, Margaret Burnett received the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Award for her leadership in technology.