Dr. Evelyn Anita Blackwell
- Born:
- October 27, 1945, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Computer Scientist, Software Engineer, Educator
Early Life and Education
- Graduated valedictorian from Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta.
- Received a B.S. in Mathematics from Spelman College in 1967.
- Earned an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1969.
- Completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1973, becoming one of the first African American women to do so.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her career at IBM as a systems engineer in 1973.
- Joined Howard University as a professor of Computer Science in 1976.
- Served as Chair of the Computer Science Department at Howard University from 1985 to 1991.
- Led research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, focusing on applications in education.
- Mentored numerous students who went on to successful careers in computer science.
- Published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
- Awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in 1996.
Notable Works
- Artificial Intelligence in Educational Systems: A Framework for Personalized Learning. Journal of Educational Technology, 1998.
- Co-authored "An Overview of Expert Systems in Education". Proceedings of the National Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 1989.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Blackwell's pioneering work in computer science and her dedication to education have had a significant impact on the field. Her efforts to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields serve as an inspiration to many. The following example of a short biography attempts to capture the essence of her remarkable career.
Awards and Recognition
| Award | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring | 1996 | Awarded by the President of the United States for outstanding mentoring efforts. |
| National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Award for Academic Leadership | 2002 | Recognized for exceptional leadership and contributions to the field of engineering education. |