William Poduska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Poduska
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| Born |
John William Poduska
Memphis, Tennessee USA
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| Alma mater | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (B.S., Electrical Engineering, 1959; M.S., 1960; D.Sc., 1962) |
| Occupation | engineer, businessman, professor |
| Known for | founder of Apollo Computer and Prime Computer |
| Spouse(s) | Susan Poduska |
| Children | Alice Ann Casey, Margo Poduska Kay, John William Poduska Jr., Mary Beth Pandiscio, Lily Ann Poduska |
John William Poduska Sr. is an American engineer and a successful businessman. He is known for starting important computer companies like Prime Computer, Apollo Computer, and Stellar Computer. Before creating these companies, he led the Electronics Research Lab at NASA's facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He also worked at a company called Honeywell.
Mr. Poduska has helped guide many other technology companies. He was also a leader for groups like the Boston Ballet and the Boston Lyric Opera. In 1986, he became a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This was because of his leadership in creating new computer technologies. He helped develop Prime, which was an early type of powerful small computer. He also helped create Apollo, which was one of the first computers designed to work together in a network.
Early Life and Learning
John William Poduska was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He finished high school at Central High School in Memphis in 1955.
He then went to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT is a very famous school for science and technology. He earned three degrees there in electrical engineering. He got his first two degrees in 1960. He earned his third, a doctorate degree, in 1962.
Awards and Recognition
Mr. Poduska has received special awards for his work.
- He received the McDowell Award from the National Academy of Engineering in 1986. This award honors people who have made important contributions to computing.
