Computer Science Superheroes
Charles Babbage
Born: Dec. 26, 1791
Died: Oct. 18, 1871
Born: Dec. 26, 1791
Died: Oct. 18, 1871
Academic Accomplishments
Charles Babbage attended Trinity College, Lambridge, and later taught at the University of Cambridge as a math professor. He also won the Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1834 for his invention of an engine for calculating mathematical and astronomical tables.
Computer Science Contributions
Charles Babbage designed a small calculator that could compute up to 8 decimal places. Later, he went on to build the "Difference Engine". This device was a large calculating machine and was on the verge of being the first computer.
Born: Oct. 27 1930
Died: N/A (Currently 91 years old)
Academic Accomplishments
Gladys West graduated from Virgina State University in 1952 and went back to teach at Virgina State University. She was also inducted into the United States Air Force Hall of Fame in 2018 for her work on the GPS.
Computer Science Contributions
Gladys West programmed an IBM 7030 "Stretch" computer to create a precise model of the Earth. Using this, she invented the Global Positioning System (GPS). She also programmed other computers and devices to analyze data from satellites.
Born: Jun. 20 1954
Died: N/A (Currently 68 years old)
Academic Accomplishments
Brandenburg received two degrees at Erlangen University for Dipl. -Ing in 1980 and Dipl. -Math. in 1982 for Electrical Engineering and Mathematics, respectively. A few years later, he received his PhD at Friedrich University in Electrical Engineering.
Computer Science Contributions
Brandenburg is considered the "father of the mp3" for the creation of the mp3 format. His work also includes other modern audio compression schemes and perceptual audio coding. He has received numerous awards for his huge impact in the world of digital audio technologies, such as the IEEE Engineering Excellence Award and the Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.