# David Stemple

> Ph.D. University of Massachusetts Amherst 1977

**Wikidata**: [Q102552744](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102552744)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-stemple

## Summary
David W. Stemple was an American computer scientist and university teacher. He served as a professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned his Ph.D. in 1977, and was recognized for his mentorship of doctoral students and his work in the technology industry.

## Biography
- **Born:** July 31, 1937, in Webster Springs, United States
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Ph.D. (1977) and studies at University of Massachusetts Amherst; studied at West Virginia University
- **Known for:** Mentorship of computer science doctoral students; career spanning academia and industry
- **Employer(s):**
    - University of Massachusetts Amherst
    - IBM
    - Computer Usage Company
    - Wheeling University (1959–1960)
- **Field(s):** Computer Science
- **Death:** March 22, 2006 (aged 68), due to cancer (natural causes)

## Contributions
David Stemple contributed to the field of computer science through a combination of industrial application and academic mentorship. His professional career included roles at IBM and the Computer Usage Company, providing him with industry experience that he carried into his academic tenure.

His most specific contribution detailed in the source material is his role as a doctoral advisor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He supervised the Ph.D. work of at least five students: Leonidas Fegaras (Ph.D. 1993), Tim Sheard, Subhasish Mazumdar, Charles Welty, and Ralph Bunker. By guiding these students, Stemple played a critical role in the development of future experts and researchers in computer science. He also taught at Wheeling University early in his career (1959–1960).

## FAQs

### Q: When and where did David Stemple earn his Ph.D.?
A: David Stemple earned his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1977.

### Q: Who were some of David Stemple's notable doctoral students?
A: His doctoral students included Leonidas Fegaras, Tim Sheard, Subhasish Mazumdar, Charles Welty, and Ralph Bunker.

### Q: What companies did David Stemple work for outside of academia?
A: David Stemple worked for IBM and the Computer Usage Company.

## Why They Matter
David Stemple matters for his dual contribution to the practical and educational spheres of computer science. As an employee of major technology corporations like IBM, he participated in the industry's growth during pivotal years. However, his lasting impact is most evident in his academic service at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. By chairing or serving on the committees of doctoral candidates such as Leonidas Fegaras and Tim Sheard, he directly influenced the intellectual lineage of the computer science department, ensuring the transfer of knowledge to the next generation of computer scientists and researchers.

## Notable For
- Earning a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1977 under advisor Robert Walker Taylor.
- Serving as a doctoral advisor to five Ph.D. candidates, including Leonidas Fegaras.
- Holding professional positions at IBM and Computer Usage Company.
- Teaching at Wheeling University (1959–1960) and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
- Being cited in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID: 209654) and DBLP.

## Body

### Education and Early Career
David W. Stemple was born on July 31, 1937, in Webster Springs, United States. He pursued higher education in computer science, ultimately earning his Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1977. His doctoral advisor was Robert Walker Taylor. Prior to completing his doctorate, he was educated at West Virginia University and held a teaching position at Wheeling University from 1959 to 1960.

### Industry Experience
Before or during his academic tenure, Stemple accumulated significant industry experience. He was employed by the Computer Usage Company and IBM, an American multinational technology corporation.

### Academic Tenure and Mentorship
Stemple was affiliated with the University of Massachusetts Amherst as both a student and faculty member. In his role as a university teacher and researcher, he supervised the following doctoral students:
*   **Leonidas Fegaras** (Ph.D. 1993)
*   **Tim Sheard**
*   **Subhasish Mazumdar**
*   **Charles Welty**
*   **Ralph Bunker**

### Death
David Stemple passed away on March 22, 2006. The cause of death was cancer, attributed to natural causes.

## Schema Markup
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  "birthDate": "1937-07-31",
  "birthPlace": "Webster Springs, United States",
  "deathDate": "2006-03-22",
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  "description": "American computer scientist and university teacher, Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts Amherst (1977)."
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## References

1. [Source](https://www.cics.umass.edu/news/memoriam-professor-emeritus-david-w-stemple-1937-2006)
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project