# Michael Soo

> Ph.D. University of Arizona 1996

**Wikidata**: [Q102397286](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102397286)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/michael-soo

## Summary
Michael Soo is a computer scientist who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 1996. He has built a career in both academia and the corporate sector, holding positions at the University of South Florida, Amazon, Starbucks, and Reliance, Inc. His doctoral advisor was the computer scientist Richard T. Snodgrass.

## Biography
- **Education**: Ph.D., University of Arizona (1996); also educated at University of California, Los Angeles.
- **Employer(s)**: Amazon (1999-2006, 2017-present), Reliance, Inc. (2008-2017), Starbucks (2005-2008), University of South Florida (1995-1998).
- **Field(s)**: Computer science.

## Contributions
The provided source material details Michael Soo's career trajectory, which spans both academic and corporate environments. After completing his Ph.D. under the advisement of Richard T. Snodgrass in 1996, Soo began his career in academia at the University of South Florida, where he worked from 1995 to 1998.

He then transitioned to the private sector, joining Amazon from 1999 to 2006. His corporate experience continued with a role at Starbucks from 2005 to 2008, followed by a lengthy tenure at Reliance, Inc. from 2008 to 2017. In 2017, Soo returned to Amazon, where he has been employed since. His work demonstrates the application of computer science principles across different industries, from academia to e-commerce and retail.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Michael Soo's educational background?
A: Michael Soo earned a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in 1996. He was also educated at the University of California, Los Angeles.

### Q: Where has Michael Soo worked?
A: Soo has worked at the University of South Florida (1995-1998), Amazon (1999-2006 and 2017-present), Starbucks (2005-2008), and Reliance, Inc. (2008-2017).

### Q: Who was Michael Soo's Ph.D. advisor?
A: His doctoral advisor was computer scientist Richard T. Snodgrass.

## Why They Matter
Michael Soo's career exemplifies the path of a computer scientist applying rigorous academic training to solve complex problems in major global corporations. His work across different sectors—from his early academic role at the University of South Florida to his tenures at technology and retail giants like Amazon and Starbucks—highlights the versatility and impact of a computer science background.

His professional journey demonstrates the direct line from specialized doctoral research, under a notable advisor like Richard T. Snodgrass, to influential roles within the industry. The significance of his career lies in its representation of how advanced computer science knowledge is implemented to drive operations and innovation at large-scale, data-intensive companies that are central to the modern economy.

## Notable For
*   Earning a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Arizona in 1996.
*   Being a doctoral student of computer scientist Richard T. Snodgrass.
*   Holding roles in both academia (University of South Florida) and the corporate sector.
*   A career that includes employment at major corporations such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Reliance, Inc.

## Body
### Education
Michael Soo is a computer scientist who completed his doctoral studies at the University of Arizona, earning a Ph.D. in 1996. His doctoral advisor was Richard T. Snodgrass. Soo also received education from the University of California, Los Angeles.

### Professional Career
Soo's career began in academia, where he was employed by the University of South Florida from 1995 to 1998.

Following his academic post, he transitioned to the technology industry. His corporate employment history is as follows:
*   **Amazon**: 1999-2006
*   **Starbucks**: 2005-2008
*   **Reliance, Inc.**: 2008-2017
*   **Amazon**: 2017-Present

## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. LinkedIn