# Elizabeth A. Unger

> Ph.D. University of Kansas 1978

**Wikidata**: [Q102157499](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102157499)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elizabeth-a-unger

## Summary
Elizabeth A. Unger is an American computer scientist and university teacher best known for her long-term academic career at Kansas State University. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1978 and has made significant contributions to the field through the mentorship of numerous doctoral students and her work in computer science education.

## Biography
- Born: May 23, 1939
- Education: Ph.D., University of Kansas (1978)
- Known for: Academic leadership in computer science and doctoral mentorship
- Employer(s): Kansas State University
- Field(s): Computer science

## Contributions
Elizabeth A. Unger has contributed to the field of computer science primarily through her extensive work in academia and doctoral supervision. After completing her Ph.D. in 1978 under the advisement of Earl Justin Schweppe, she joined the faculty at Kansas State University. Her scholarly impact is most visible through her mentorship of ten documented doctoral students, many of whom have gone on to hold significant positions in the field. 

Notable students include David A. Schmidt, an American professor of computer science at Kansas State University, as well as researchers such as Yui-Kai Dennis Ng, Janice Buck Honeyman, and Richard A. McBride. Her work is recognized across major academic and bibliographic databases, including the ACM Digital Library and DBLP. Her career at Kansas State University has been distinguished by her inclusion in the university's Engineering Hall of Fame, reflecting her influence on the institution's computer science and engineering programs.

## FAQs
### Q: Where did Elizabeth A. Unger receive her doctoral degree?
A: Elizabeth A. Unger earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1978. Her doctoral advisor was Earl Justin Schweppe.

### Q: What is Elizabeth A. Unger's primary professional role?
A: She is a computer scientist and university teacher, primarily associated with Kansas State University. She is also known by the names Elizabeth A. Buschlen and Beth Unger.

### Q: Who are some of the notable researchers mentored by Elizabeth A. Unger?
A: Unger has advised several doctoral students, including David A. Schmidt, Mary Lou Anderson Fritts Hines, and Steve Hansen. Her academic lineage is tracked through the Mathematics Genealogy Project.

## Why They Matter
Elizabeth A. Unger is a significant figure in the development of computer science as an academic discipline, particularly within the context of Kansas State University. By supervising at least ten doctoral candidates, she played a vital role in training the next generation of computer scientists, thereby expanding the research capacity and educational reach of the field. Her influence is evidenced by the successful careers of her students, such as David A. Schmidt, who became a prominent professor in his own right. Her long-standing presence in international authority files like VIAF and the GND, alongside her recognition in the Kansas State University Engineering Hall of Fame, underscores her lasting impact on the academic infrastructure of computer science.

## Notable For
*   **Doctoral Mentorship:** Served as the advisor for ten documented Ph.D. students in computer science.
*   **Academic Longevity:** Maintained a significant tenure as a faculty member and researcher at Kansas State University.
*   **Institutional Recognition:** Inductee of the Kansas State University Engineering Hall of Fame.
*   **Bibliographic Presence:** Indexed in major global authority files including ISNI, VIAF, and the Library of Congress.

## Body
### Academic Background and Education
Elizabeth A. Unger, born May 23, 1939, is also identified in academic records as Elizabeth A. Buschlen or Beth Unger. She completed her doctoral studies at the University of Kansas, receiving her Ph.D. in 1978. Her research during this period was conducted under the supervision of Earl Justin Schweppe.

### Career at Kansas State University
Unger's professional career is defined by her role as a computer scientist and university teacher at Kansas State University. Her work within the university's engineering and computer science departments led to her recognition in the Engineering Hall of Fame. Her career is associated with both the industrial and service sectors of the computer science field.

### Doctoral Advising and Academic Lineage
A central component of Unger's legacy is her role in the Mathematics Genealogy Project, which tracks her supervision of numerous doctoral students. Her students include:
*   David A. Schmidt
*   Yui-Kai Dennis Ng
*   Constanza Castro Hagmann
*   Steve Hansen
*   Mary Lou Anderson Fritts Hines
*   Janice Buck Honeyman
*   Chuan Samuel Hsieh
*   Fereydoun Kazamiam
*   Richard A. McBride
*   Ariel Pastan

### Digital and Bibliographic Identifiers
Unger is widely documented in international research databases. Her unique identifiers include:
*   **VIAF ID:** 108165226
*   **ISNI:** 0000 0000 84596147
*   **GND ID:** 1018560297
*   **DBLP Author ID:** 62/543
*   **ACM Digital Library ID:** 81335498819
*   **Mathematics Genealogy Project ID:** 172253

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. [Source](https://engg.k-state.edu/alumni-partners/hall-of-fame/unger/)
4. Library of Congress Authorities