# Paul Norman Hilfinger

> Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University 1981

**Wikidata**: [Q102116686](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102116686)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paul-norman-hilfinger

## Summary
Paul Norman Hilfinger is an American computer scientist and university teacher. He earned his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1981 under the supervision of Mary Shaw.

## Biography
- Born: Not specified
- Nationality: American
- Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, 1981
- Known for: Computer science research and education
- Employer(s): University of California, Berkeley (professor)
- Field(s): Computer science, software engineering

## Contributions
Paul Norman Hilfinger is a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. He has supervised numerous Ph.D. students who have gone on to successful careers in computer science, including James Larus, Allen B. Downey, and Kenneth Edward Rimey. His academic lineage traces back to Mary Shaw, a prominent figure in software engineering. While specific publications are not detailed in the source material, his role as an educator and mentor has influenced multiple generations of computer scientists through his teaching and doctoral supervision at Berkeley.

## FAQs
### Q: Where did Paul Norman Hilfinger receive his Ph.D.?
A: Paul Norman Hilfinger received his Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University in 1981.

### Q: Who was Paul Norman Hilfinger's doctoral advisor?
A: Mary Shaw was Paul Norman Hilfinger's doctoral advisor at Carnegie Mellon University.

### Q: What is Paul Norman Hilfinger known for?
A: Paul Norman Hilfinger is known for his work as a computer science professor at UC Berkeley and for mentoring numerous Ph.D. students who have become successful computer scientists.

## Why They Matter
Paul Norman Hilfinger matters because of his role in educating and mentoring the next generation of computer scientists. Through his position at UC Berkeley, he has supervised multiple doctoral students who have gone on to make their own contributions to the field. His academic lineage connects him to Mary Shaw, a pioneer in software engineering, extending that intellectual heritage to his own students. As a professor, he has helped shape computer science education and research at one of the field's most prestigious institutions, creating a ripple effect through the careers of his students who now work across academia and industry.

## Notable For
- Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University (1981)
- Professor at UC Berkeley's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
- Supervised numerous Ph.D. students who became successful computer scientists
- Academic descendant of Mary Shaw, a pioneer in software engineering
- Maintains an active academic website at UC Berkeley

## Body
### Academic Background
Paul Norman Hilfinger completed his doctoral studies at Carnegie Mellon University in 1981. His advisor was Mary Shaw, a prominent computer scientist known for her contributions to software engineering. This connection places Hilfinger in a distinguished academic lineage that has significantly influenced computer science education and research.

### Professional Career
Hilfinger has spent his career as a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences. His role involves both teaching and research, with a particular focus on mentoring doctoral students. The university's computer science program is consistently ranked among the top in the world, and Hilfinger has contributed to maintaining this reputation through his work with students and in the classroom.

### Academic Descendants
Through his doctoral supervision, Hilfinger has influenced the careers of numerous computer scientists. His students include James Larus (now at Microsoft Research), Allen B. Downey (author and professor), and Kenneth Edward Rimey, among others. This group represents a diverse range of contributions to computer science, from academia to industry research. The success of his students demonstrates his effectiveness as a mentor and educator.

### Research and Teaching Focus
While specific research contributions are not detailed in the source material, Hilfinger's position at Berkeley suggests involvement in computer science education and potentially research in areas related to software engineering, systems, or other core computer science disciplines. His continued presence as a professor indicates ongoing contributions to the field through teaching and student mentorship.

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## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project