Martha Pollack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martha Pollack
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Pollack in 2017
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| 14th President of Cornell University | |
| In office April 17, 2017 – June 30, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Elizabeth Garrett |
| Succeeded by | Michael Kotlikoff (Interim) |
| Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs of the University of Michigan | |
| In office 2013–2017 |
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| Preceded by | Philip J. Hanlon |
| Succeeded by | Martin Philbert |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Martha Elizabeth Pollack
August 27, 1958 Stamford, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Spouse | Ken Gottschlich |
| Education | Dartmouth College (BA) University of Pennsylvania (MA, PhD) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions |
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| Thesis | Inferring domain plans in question-answering (1986) |
| Doctoral advisor | Bonnie Webber |
Martha Elizabeth Pollack (born August 27, 1958) is an American computer scientist. She was the 14th president of Cornell University. She held this important role from April 2017 to June 2024. Before that, from 2013 to 2017, she was a top leader at the University of Michigan. There, she served as the 14th provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
Pollack is an expert in artificial intelligence (AI). AI is about making computers think and learn like humans. Her work includes making plans for computers and helping them understand human language. She also helps computers recognize activities. She is also on the board of directors for IBM, a big technology company.
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Early Life and Education
Martha Pollack was born in Stamford, Connecticut, on August 27, 1958. She loved learning from a young age.
In 1979, she finished her first degree at Dartmouth College. She studied linguistics, which is the study of language. Later, she went to the University of Pennsylvania. There, she earned her master's and doctoral degrees in computer science. She finished her Ph.D. in 1986. Her main teachers were Bonnie Webber and Barbara J. Grosz. Pollack is also Jewish.
Career Highlights
Martha Pollack has had a long and successful career. She worked at SRI International from 1985 to 1992. This is a research center that creates new technologies.
In 1991, she received the IJCAI Computers and Thought Award. This is a special award for young researchers in artificial intelligence. Since 1996, she has been a fellow of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence. This means she is recognized as a leading expert in AI. She also became a fellow at other important groups. These include the Association for Computing Machinery and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
From 1991 to 2000, she taught at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1997, she helped lead a major international conference on artificial intelligence.
At the University of Michigan
In 2000, Pollack joined the team at the University of Michigan. She quickly moved up in leadership roles.
In 2007, she became the dean of the University of Michigan School of Information. This school teaches students about how information works. In 2010, she became a Vice Provost for the university. Then, in 2013, she became the Provost. The Provost is a very important leader who oversees all academic programs.
During this time, she also led other important groups. From 2001 to 2005, she was the editor-in-chief of a top journal. This journal was called Journal of Artificial Intelligence Research. She also served as president of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence from 2009 to 2010.
Leading Cornell University
On November 14, 2016, a big announcement was made. The leaders of Cornell University chose Martha Pollack to be their 14th president. This was a unanimous decision, meaning everyone agreed.
Her time as president began on April 17, 2017. She officially started her role with a special ceremony on August 25, 2017.
In 2022, she was chosen to join the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. This is a group that honors top thinkers and leaders.
As Cornell's president, Pollack made several important changes. She worked to improve student life. For example, she changed rules for student groups. She also worked to make mental health services better for students. She faced questions about how the university handled certain student issues.
On May 9, 2024, she announced her plan to retire. Her time as president of Cornell University ended on June 30, 2024.
