# Frank Anger > American mathematician and fencer (1939–2004) **Wikidata**: [Q3751749](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3751749) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Anger) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/frank-anger ## Summary Frank David Anger (1939–2004) was an American mathematician, computer scientist, university professor, and Olympic fencer. He taught at several U.S. universities, served as a program director at the National Science Foundation from 1995 until his death, and represented the United States in fencing at the 1964 Summer Olympics. ## Biography - **Born:** 24 September 1939 – Chicago metropolitan area, United States - **Nationality:** United States - **Education:** - Cornell University (undergraduate) - Princeton University (graduate) – doctoral advisor Stephen U. Chase - University of Florida (additional studies) - **Known for:** Combining a career in mathematics and computer science with elite-level fencing, including Olympic competition. - **Employer(s):** - University of Puerto Rico (faculty) - Florida Institute of Technology (faculty) - University of West Florida (faculty) - National Science Foundation – program director (1995 – 2004) - **Field(s):** Mathematics, computer science, higher‑education teaching, sport fencing ## Contributions Frank Anger’s professional output spanned both academia and federal science administration. As a mathematician and computer scientist, he authored research papers listed in the DBLP and Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID 7855), contributing to theoretical and applied aspects of his disciplines. His teaching appointments at the University of Puerto Rico, Florida Institute of Technology, and the University of West Florida allowed him to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in mathematics and computer science, shaping curricula and fostering interdisciplinary study. From 1995 until his death in 2004, Anger directed programs at the National Science Foundation, overseeing grant allocations that supported research across the United States and influencing national priorities in scientific investigation. In sport, Anger qualified for the 1964 Summer Olympics in fencing, competing in the individual foil event and representing the United States on the world stage. His dual legacy of scholarly contribution and athletic achievement illustrates a rare blend of intellectual and physical excellence. ## FAQs ### Q: What sport did Frank Anger compete in at the Olympics? A: He was a fencer and competed in the individual foil event at the 1964 Summer Olympics. ### Q: What roles did Frank Anger hold at the National Science Foundation? A: He served as a program director from 1995 to 2004, managing funding programs for scientific research. ### Q: How did Frank Anger die? A: He died in an accidental car collision on 8 July 2004. ### Q: Which universities did Frank Anger teach at? A: He taught at the University of Puerto Rico, Florida Institute of Technology, and the University of West Florida. ### Q: What were Frank Anger’s academic specialties? A: His specialties were mathematics, computer science, and university-level teaching. ## Why They Matter Frank Anger’s career demonstrates the impact of interdisciplinary expertise. By bridging rigorous mathematical research with practical computer‑science applications, he contributed to the evolution of both fields during a period of rapid technological growth. His leadership at the National Science Foundation helped shape the funding landscape for U.S. research, directing resources toward emerging areas that would later become foundational to modern computing and data science. In the classroom, Anger’s mentorship cultivated a generation of scholars who continued to advance mathematics and computer science. His Olympic participation also highlighted the value of balancing intellectual pursuits with elite athletics, inspiring students and athletes alike to pursue diverse ambitions. Without his contributions, the NSF’s program direction in the late 1990s and early 2000s would have lacked his unique perspective, and the academic communities at his affiliated universities would have missed a dedicated educator and researcher. ## Notable For - Competed in fencing at the 1964 Summer Olympics (individual foil). - Served as National Science Foundation program director (1995‑2004). - Held faculty positions at three U.S. universities, influencing mathematics and computer‑science curricula. - Authored research listed in DBLP and the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID 7855). - Recognized as both a mathematician and computer scientist, exemplifying interdisciplinary achievement. ## Body ### Early Life and Education - Born 24 Sept 1939 in the Chicago metropolitan area. - Completed undergraduate studies at Cornell University. - Earned graduate degrees at Princeton University under doctoral advisor Stephen U. Chase. - Pursued additional coursework at the University of Florida. ### Academic Career - Joined the faculty of the University of Puerto Rico, teaching mathematics and computer science. - Later appointments at Florida Institute of Technology and the University of West Florida expanded his teaching impact. - Published research contributions catalogued in DBLP (author ID 92/6495) and recorded in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID 7855). ### Olympic Fencing Career - Qualified for the United States Olympic fencing team. - Competed in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, participating in the individual foil event. - Listed in Olympedia (person ID 23650) and sports-reference archives. ### Service at the National Science Foundation - Appointed NSF program director in 1995, a role he held until his death in 2004. - Oversaw grant programs that funded research across mathematics, computer science, and related disciplines. - Influenced national research priorities during a pivotal era for digital technology development. ### Legacy and Death - Died on 8 July 2004 in a car collision, classified as an accidental death. - Remembered for his dual contributions to academia and sport, as noted in memorials such as Princeton’s Paw Memorial. - His interdisciplinary model continues to inspire scholars who seek to combine scientific rigor with athletic excellence. ## References 1. [Source](https://paw.princeton.edu/memorial/frank-david-anger-61) 2. Mathematics Genealogy Project 3. [Source](https://www2.sigsoft.org/awards/anger/)