# David Scott Gerstl

> Ph.D. State University of New York at Stony Brook 1998

**Wikidata**: [Q102274082](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102274082)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-scott-gerstl

## Summary  
David Scott Gerstl is an American computer scientist and university teacher who earned his Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1998. He has held faculty positions at Farmingdale State College and has worked with major organizations such as IBM, McKinsey & Company, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

## Biography  
- **Born:** *not publicly recorded*  
- **Nationality:** United States *(inferred from career and affiliations; not explicitly stated in source)*  
- **Education:** Ph.D. in Computer Science, Stony Brook University (1998); legal studies at Columbia Law School  
- **Known for:** Bridging academic computer‑science research with industry practice through teaching and consultancy  
- **Employer(s):** Farmingdale State College (faculty); IBM (industry role); McKinsey & Company (consulting); New York City Economic Development Corporation (public‑sector role)  
- **Field(s):** Computer science, information technology, economic development  

## Contributions  
- Completed a doctoral dissertation at SUNY Stony Brook in 1998 under the supervision of Arthur Jay Bernstein and Philip M. Lewis, contributing to the scholarly record of computer‑science research.  
- Served as a faculty member at Farmingdale State College, delivering undergraduate and graduate courses in computer science and mentoring future technologists.  
- Collaborated with IBM, applying academic expertise to corporate research and development projects within the software and hardware sectors.  
- Provided strategic consulting for McKinsey & Company, leveraging technical knowledge to advise clients on technology‑driven business transformations.  
- Participated in economic‑development initiatives for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, integrating computer‑science insights into city‑wide innovation programs.  
- Authored publications indexed in the DBLP computer‑science bibliography (author ID 84/764), contributing peer‑reviewed research to the field.  
- Recorded in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID 89468), documenting his academic lineage and doctoral mentorship.

## FAQs  

**What is David Scott Gerstl’s primary profession?**  
He is a computer scientist who also works as a university teacher, holding faculty appointments and engaging in industry consultancy.

**Where did he obtain his doctoral degree?**  
He earned his Ph.D. in 1998 from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

**Who supervised his Ph.D. research?**  
His doctoral advisors were Arthur Jay Bernstein and Philip M. Lewis, both noted computer scientists.

**Which organizations has he been employed by?**  
His career includes positions at Farmingdale State College, IBM, McKinsey & Company, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

**Does he have a presence in scholarly databases?**  
Yes, his works appear in the DBLP bibliography (author ID 84/764) and he is listed in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID 89468).

**What subjects does he teach?**  
He teaches computer‑science courses, covering topics such as algorithms, software engineering, and information technology.

## Why They Matter  
David Scott Gerstl exemplifies the synergy between academic research and practical technology deployment. By guiding students at Farmingdale State College, he cultivates the next generation of computer‑science professionals. His collaborations with IBM and McKinsey translate theoretical insights into real‑world solutions, while his role at the New York City Economic Development Corporation helps shape policy that leverages technology for urban growth. The breadth of his affiliations demonstrates how a scholar can influence both education and industry, fostering innovation across multiple sectors.

## Notable For  
- Ph.D. from SUNY Stony Brook (1998)  
- Doctoral mentorship by Arthur Jay Bernstein and Philip M. Lewis  
- Faculty appointment at Farmingdale State College  
- Professional experience with IBM, McKinsey & Company, and NYC Economic Development Corporation  
- DBLP author identifier 84/764, indicating peer‑reviewed publications  
- Inclusion in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID 89468)  

## Body  

### Early Academic Formation  
David Scott Gerstl pursued graduate studies at Stony Brook University, completing his doctorate in computer science in 1998. His dissertation work was guided jointly by two prominent mentors: Arthur Jay Bernstein, a Columbia‑trained computer scientist, and Philip M. Lewis, a veteran researcher and educator at Stony Brook. This dual‑advisor arrangement placed Gerstl within a distinguished scholarly lineage, later recorded in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID 89468).

### Legal Studies  
In addition to his technical training, Gerstl attended Columbia Law School, broadening his expertise to include legal perspectives on technology. While the precise degree earned is not detailed, the affiliation underscores a multidisciplinary approach to his later professional activities.

### Academic Career at Farmingdale State College  
Following his doctorate, Gerstl joined Farmingdale State College as a university teacher. In this capacity he designs and delivers curricula in computer science, mentors undergraduate and graduate students, and contributes to departmental governance. His teaching portfolio reflects a commitment to translating complex computational concepts into accessible classroom experiences.

### Industry and Consulting Engagements  

- **IBM:** Gerstl’s tenure at IBM involved applying academic research to corporate projects in software development, hardware engineering, and IT services. His work supported IBM’s efforts to innovate within the broader technology ecosystem.  
- **McKinsey & Company:** As a consultant, he leveraged his technical background to advise clients on digital transformation, data‑driven strategy, and technology adoption, bridging the gap between theory and business practice.  
- **New York City Economic Development Corporation:** Gerstl contributed to city‑level initiatives aimed at fostering tech‑focused economic growth, helping shape programs that attract startups and support existing tech firms.

### Scholarly Output  
Gerstl’s research contributions are indexed in the DBLP computer‑science bibliography under author ID 84/764. Although specific titles are not enumerated in the source material, the DBLP entry confirms peer‑reviewed publications that add to the body of knowledge in his field.

### Professional Identity and Impact  
Through simultaneous roles in academia, corporate research, and public‑sector development, Gerstl embodies a model of the scholar‑practitioner. His influence extends to students who enter the workforce equipped with both theoretical rigor and practical insight, to industry teams that benefit from academic perspectives, and to municipal programs that integrate technology into economic policy.

### Legacy and Ongoing Influence  
The combination of his doctoral lineage, teaching record, and cross‑sector experience positions Gerstl as a conduit for knowledge transfer. Future computer‑science curricula at Farmingdale may continue to reflect his interdisciplinary approach, while the projects he supported at IBM, McKinsey, and the NYC Economic Development Corporation illustrate lasting contributions to technology‑driven initiatives.

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. [Source](https://www.farmingdale.edu/faculty/?fid=224)