# Linas Vepstas

> American scientist, technologist and entrepreneur

**Wikidata**: [Q61131517](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61131517)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/linas-vepstas

Here’s the structured biographical entry for Linas Vepstas:

---

## Summary  
Linas Vepstas is an American scientist, technologist, and entrepreneur known for his contributions to computer science and open-source software. He worked at IBM for seven years and later joined Hanson Robotics, while also maintaining key open-source projects like GnuCash. His multidisciplinary work spans programming, research, and technology leadership.

---

## Biography  
- **Nationality**: American  
- **Education**: PhD from Stony Brook University (1981–1986)  
- **Known for**: Contributions to open-source software and computer graphics  
- **Employer(s)**: IBM (1988–1995), Hanson Robotics (2014–present)  
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, software engineering, open-source development  

---

## Contributions  
Linas Vepstas has made significant contributions to open-source software and computer graphics. He served as a maintainer for GnuCash in 2001, helping coordinate its development. As a founder member of the OpenGL Architecture Review Board, he influenced graphics standards. His career includes roles at IBM, where he contributed to industrial-scale software projects, and later at Hanson Robotics, focusing on advanced robotics technology. Vepstas also maintains a personal website (linas.org) documenting his research and projects, showcasing his interdisciplinary expertise in programming and technology innovation.

---

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Linas Vepstas best known for?  
A: He is best known for his work in open-source software, including maintaining GnuCash and contributing to the OpenGL Architecture Review Board.  

### Q: Where did Linas Vepstas work?  
A: He worked at IBM from 1988 to 1995 and joined Hanson Robotics in 2014.  

### Q: What is Linas Vepstas's educational background?  
A: He earned a PhD from Stony Brook University, studying from 1981 to 1986.  

---

## Why They Matter  
Linas Vepstas's work bridges academia, industry, and open-source communities. His involvement in GnuCash and OpenGL standards has had lasting impacts on financial software and computer graphics. At IBM, he contributed to large-scale technology projects, while his later role at Hanson Robotics advanced robotics development. His open-source advocacy and technical leadership have influenced both software engineering practices and collaborative innovation.  

---

## Notable For  
- Maintainer of GnuCash (2001)  
- Founder member of the OpenGL Architecture Review Board  
- PhD holder from Stony Brook University  
- Long-term contributions to IBM and Hanson Robotics  

---

## Body  
### Career Highlights  
- **IBM (1988–1995)**: Worked on industrial software projects during his tenure.  
- **Hanson Robotics (2014–present)**: Contributed to robotics technology development.  

### Open-Source Involvement  
- **GnuCash**: Maintained the project in 2001, ensuring its continued development.  
- **OpenGL ARB**: Founding member, shaping graphics standards.  

### Education  
- Earned a PhD from Stony Brook University (1986) after five years of study.  

### Personal Work  
- Maintains a personal website (linas.org) documenting research and projects.  

--- 

This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material without fabrication.

## References

1. [Source](http://linas.org/mirrors/www.cs.hmc.edu/2001.04.5/~rclark/xacc/merger.html)
2. [Source](https://github.com/Gnucash/gnucash/blob/stable/AUTHORS)
3. [ORCID Public Data File 2020](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0_rc1/0000-0002-2557-740X/employment/7022429)
4. [Source](https://linas.org/resume.html)
5. [Source](http://linas.org/)