Mark Dean (computer scientist) facts for kids

Mark Edward Dean, born on March 2, 1957, is a brilliant American inventor and computer engineer. He helped create important parts of early computers, like the ISA bus, which allowed computers to connect to other devices. He also led a team that built the world's first one-gigahertz computer processor chip!

He holds several patents for his work on the first IBM personal computer, which came out in 1981. In 1995, he made history by becoming the first African-American to be named an IBM Fellow, which is a very high honor at IBM. In 2001, he was recognized for his amazing contributions by being chosen for the National Academy of Engineering.

Even early on, Mark Dean imagined devices like today's tablet computers. He even mentioned in 2011 that he preferred using a tablet over a traditional PC!

Mark Dean's Early Life and Discoveries

Mark Dean was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in technology and inventing things. His father, James, worked with electrical equipment for large machines like turbines. Dean's father often took him along on work trips, which introduced him to the world of engineering.

When Mark was young, he and his father even built a tractor from scratch! By the time he was in middle school, Mark Dean had decided he wanted to be a computer engineer. He went to Jefferson City High School in Tennessee, where he did very well in both his studies and sports. While in high school during the 1970s, Dean even built his own personal computer.

Awards and Honors for Mark Dean

Mark Dean is famous for being the first African-American to become an IBM Fellow. This is the highest technical honor a person can receive at the IBM company. In 1997, his achievements were recognized when he was added to the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

He was also elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2001, which is a big deal for engineers. In 1997, Dean received the Black Engineer of the Year Presidents Award. From August 2018 to July 2019, he served as the temporary leader of the engineering college at the University of Tennessee.

As of April 26, 2019, April 25 is officially celebrated as Mark Dean Day in Knox County, Tennessee.

Mark Dean's Amazing Career and Inventions

Mark Dean earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1979. Soon after, he started working at IBM as an engineer. His first big project was to create a special adapter for a word processor. During this time, he also helped create the ISA bus, which was like a special pathway that let different parts connect to the computer.

His excellent work led to his promotion in 1982. He became the chief engineer for PC design, where he worked with a team to develop the original IBM personal computer. In the same year, Dean also earned his master's degree in electrical engineering. Later, in 1999, Dean and his team developed a one-gigahertz microchip, which was the fastest computer chip in the world at that time.

Dean became the President of IBM's Almaden Research Center in San Jose, California, a place where scientists invent new technologies. At one point, he was also the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for IBM in the Middle East and Africa.

He retired from IBM in 2013 and became a professor at the University of Tennessee. Today, Mark Dean is known as the John Fisher Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee. He holds over 20 patents, and his important work helped create the color computer screen we use today.