Mary Lou Soffa facts for kids

Mary Lou Ehnot Soffa is a very important American computer scientist. She is known for her amazing work with computers. She studies how computer programs are made. She also researches how to make them work better and faster. Mary Lou Soffa also helps design the software that makes computers work.

She is also famous for helping more people get involved in computing. She has been a leader on the CRA-W Board. She even helped start special programs. These programs encourage graduate students and professors in computer science.

About Mary Lou Soffa

Mary Lou Soffa is a famous computer scientist from the United States. She has done a lot of important research. Her work helps make computer programs run smoothly. She also helps design the software that makes computers work.

Her Education Journey

Mary Lou Soffa loved learning about math and computers. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), in Mathematics. This was from the University of Pittsburgh. She graduated with high honors! Then, she got her Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mathematics. This was from Ohio State University. She continued her studies and earned her Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in Computer Science. This highest degree was also from the University of Pittsburgh.

Her Career in Computer Science

After finishing her studies, Mary Lou Soffa became a professor. In 1977, she started teaching computer science at the University of Pittsburgh. She worked her way up, becoming an associate professor in 1983. By 1990, she was a full professor! From 1990 to 1995, she was the Dean of Graduate Studies. This meant she helped lead the graduate programs.

In 2004, she became the head of the Computer Science Department. This was at the University of Virginia. She also became a special professor there. Mary Lou Soffa has guided many students. She has helped 32 graduate students finish their studies. Half of these students were women. She also serves on important computer science boards.

Awards and Honors

Mary Lou Soffa has received many important awards. These awards recognize her amazing work.

In 2012, she received the Ken Kennedy Award. This is a very special award. It is given by two big computer organizations. They are the ACM and the IEEE-CS. She received it at a big conference. This conference is about high-performance computing.

Here are some of her other notable awards:

• ACM SIGSOFT Influential Educator Award in 2014
• ACM SIGPLAN Distinguished Service Award in 2003
• ACM Fellow in 1999 (This means she is a top member of the ACM.)
• IEEE Fellow in 2013 (This means she is a top member of the IEEE.)
• Anita Borg Technical Leadership Award in 2011
• ACM SIGSOFT 2010 Distinguished Service Award in 2010
• Nico Habermann Award in 2006 (This award is from the Computing Research Association.)
• Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring in 2011 (This award is from the President of the United States!)