# Clarence L. Coates

> American computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q5126631](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5126631)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarence_L._"Ben"_Coates)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clarence-l-coates

## Summary
Clarence L. Coates was an American computer scientist who worked in academia and industry, contributing to early computing research. He held positions at institutions like the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, General Electric, and Purdue University, and was known for his work in computer science during the mid-20th century.

## Biography
- Born: November 5, 1923, in Hastings, United States
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1954)
  - Bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas
- Known for: Early contributions to computer science research and education
- Employer(s):
  - University of Kansas (1946–1948)
  - University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1948–1956)
  - General Electric Research Laboratory (1956–1963)
  - University of Texas at Austin (1963–1971)
  - Coordinated Science Laboratory (1971–1972)
  - Purdue University (1972 onward)
- Field(s): Computer science, university teaching

## Contributions
Clarence L. Coates made significant contributions to computer science through his academic and research work. He was a doctoral student under Ladislas Goldstein at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and later advised Frank Owen Hadlock. His employment history spans multiple institutions, including the University of Kansas, General Electric, and Purdue University, where he contributed to early computing research. His work in computer science helped shape the field during its formative years, though specific publications or landmark projects are not detailed in the provided source material.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Clarence L. Coates' primary field of work?
A: Clarence L. Coates was a computer scientist who worked in academia and industry, contributing to early computing research and education.

### Q: Where did Clarence L. Coates earn his doctorate?
A: He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1954.

### Q: Which institutions did Clarence L. Coates work for?
A: He worked at the University of Kansas (1946–1948), the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1948–1956), General Electric Research Laboratory (1956–1963), the University of Texas at Austin (1963–1971), the Coordinated Science Laboratory (1971–1972), and Purdue University (1972 onward).

### Q: Who were Clarence L. Coates' academic advisors and students?
A: He was advised by Ladislas Goldstein and advised Frank Owen Hadlock during his academic career.

## Why They Matter
Clarence L. Coates played a role in the early development of computer science through his academic and research contributions. His work at institutions like the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign and Purdue University helped shape the field during its formative years. While specific landmark projects or publications are not detailed in the source material, his employment history and academic background demonstrate his influence on computer science education and research. His legacy continues to support the foundational work in computing that laid the groundwork for modern technology.

## Notable For
- Served as a doctoral student under Ladislas Goldstein at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign.
- Advised Frank Owen Hadlock during his academic career.
- Worked at multiple institutions, including General Electric and Purdue University, contributing to early computing research.
- Held positions in both academia and industry, shaping computer science education and practice.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Clarence L. Coates was born on November 5, 1923, in Hastings, United States. He served in the United States Navy before pursuing higher education. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1954, where he studied under Ladislas Goldstein. He also holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas.

### Career and Research
Coates began his academic career at the University of Kansas from 1946 to 1948. He then moved to the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, where he worked from 1948 to 1956. From 1956 to 1963, he was employed at the General Electric Research Laboratory. He later joined the University of Texas at Austin (1963–1971) and the Coordinated Science Laboratory (1971–1972) before transitioning to Purdue University in 1972, where he continued his work in computer science.

### Academic Advising
During his career, Coates advised Frank Owen Hadlock, contributing to the mentorship of future computer scientists. His work in academia and industry helped advance the field of computer science, though specific publications or landmark projects are not detailed in the source material.

### Legacy
Clarence L. Coates' contributions to computer science, particularly through his academic and research work, have had a lasting impact on the field. His employment history and academic background demonstrate his influence on computer science education and research, shaping the foundational work in computing that continues to support modern technology.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project