# Gerald L. Thompson

> American mathematician (1923–2009)

**Wikidata**: [Q5549315](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5549315)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_L._Thompson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gerald-l-thompson

## Summary
Gerald L. Thompson was an American mathematician and computer scientist born in 1923 and who passed away in 2009. He was known for his academic career, including his employment at Carnegie Mellon University, and for advising numerous doctoral students, such as Fred W. Glover. Thompson contributed to the fields of mathematics and computer science.

## Biography
- Born: 1923-11-25
- Died: 2009-11-09
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Michigan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Iowa State University
- Known for: Contributions to mathematics and computer science, and as a doctoral advisor.
- Employer(s): Carnegie Mellon University
- Field(s): mathematics, computer science

## Contributions
Gerald L. Thompson made significant contributions through his work as a mathematician and computer scientist, particularly in his role as a doctoral advisor. He mentored a substantial number of students, guiding their research and shaping their academic careers. Among his doctoral students was Fred W. Glover, who also became a notable computer scientist and mathematician. This mentorship highlights Thompson's impact on the development of future scholars in his fields. His employment at Carnegie Mellon University further underscores his academic engagement and influence within the university setting. While specific publications or inventions are not detailed in the provided information, his role in educating and advising doctoral candidates is a concrete outcome that demonstrates his lasting impact on the academic community and the advancement of mathematics and computer science through the work of his students.

## FAQs
### Q: Who was Gerald L. Thompson?
A: Gerald L. Thompson was an American mathematician and computer scientist who lived from 1923 to 2009. He was affiliated with Carnegie Mellon University and educated at institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

### Q: What was Gerald L. Thompson's primary occupation?
A: Gerald L. Thompson's primary occupations were as a mathematician and a computer scientist. He was also a doctoral advisor to several students.

### Q: Where did Gerald L. Thompson work?
A: Gerald L. Thompson was employed by Carnegie Mellon University. He also received his education from the University of Michigan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Iowa State University.

## Why They Matter
Gerald L. Thompson matters due to his foundational role as an educator and researcher in the fields of mathematics and computer science. His employment at Carnegie Mellon University, a prominent institution, indicates his standing within the academic community. Crucially, his impact is evident through his extensive work as a doctoral advisor, mentoring numerous students who went on to contribute to these fields. For instance, Fred W. Glover, a computer scientist and mathematician, was one of his doctoral students. This mentorship pipeline means that Thompson's influence extended beyond his direct work, shaping the intellectual trajectory and contributions of a subsequent generation of scholars. Without his guidance, the academic landscape and the specific contributions of his students might have been significantly different, underscoring his lasting legacy in academic development and scientific advancement.

## Notable For
*   American mathematician and computer scientist.
*   Long-term employment at Carnegie Mellon University.
*   Doctoral advisor to a significant number of students, including Fred W. Glover.
*   Educated at prestigious institutions including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

## Body

### Personal Information
Gerald L. Thompson was born on November 25, 1923, and passed away on November 9, 2009. He held United States citizenship.

### Education
Thompson received his education from several institutions:
*   University of Michigan
*   Massachusetts Institute of Technology
*   Iowa State University

### Professional Career
Gerald L. Thompson was employed by Carnegie Mellon University. His occupations included mathematician and computer scientist.

### Academic Contributions
Thompson served as a doctoral advisor to numerous students. His doctoral advisor was Robert M. Thrall.

#### Doctoral Students
Gerald L. Thompson advised the following doctoral students:
*   Fred W. Glover (who also became a computer scientist and mathematician)
*   Suresh P. Sethi
*   David Shanno
*   Robert David Carr
*   Nathan P. Ritchey
*   Paul Robert Kleindorfer
*   Roman L. Weil
*   Farid Harche

### Fields of Work
His primary fields of work were mathematics and computer science.

### Identifiers
Gerald L. Thompson is associated with various academic and bibliographic identifiers, including:
*   ISNI: 0000000108987872
*   GND ID: 135869943
*   VIAF ID: 49287378
*   Library of Congress Authority ID: n50008353
*   Mathematics Genealogy Project ID: 5130
*   DBLP Author ID: 63/3301
*   Wikipedia Title: Gerald L. Thompson

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. CiNii Research
5. SNAC
6. CONOR.SI
7. Catalogo of the National Library of India