# Peter Weiner

> computer scientist and entrepreneur

**Wikidata**: [Q72390208](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q72390208)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peter-weiner

## Summary
Peter Weiner is an American computer scientist and entrepreneur, born in New York City in 1942. He is recognized for his academic and industry career, and notably for serving as the doctoral advisor to prominent computer scientists Brian Kernighan and Dennis Tsichritzis. His work involved roles at esteemed universities and research corporations.

## Biography
- Born: January 9, 1942, in New York City
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from City College of New York (1963); Doctor of Philosophy from New York University Tandon School of Engineering (1967)
- Known for: Computer science, entrepreneurship, and doctoral advising
- Employer(s): Princeton University (1966-1969), Yale University (1969-1973), RAND Corporation (1973-1977), Interactive Systems Corporation (1977-1982)
- Field(s): Computer science, entrepreneurship, university teaching

## Contributions
Peter Weiner's career encompassed significant roles in both academia and industry. He was employed by Princeton University from 1966 to 1969, contributing to the academic environment of the institution. Following this, he served at Yale University from 1969 to 1973. His professional path then led him to the RAND Corporation, where he worked from 1973 to 1977, engaging in research within an industrial context. Subsequently, he was employed by Interactive Systems Corporation from 1977 to 1982. A particularly impactful aspect of his academic career was his role as a doctoral advisor. He notably advised Brian Kernighan, a Canadian computer scientist recognized for his contributions including co-inventing the Unix operating system. He also advised Dennis Tsichritzis, another distinguished computer scientist. Through his mentorship, Weiner played a direct role in the early academic development of these influential figures, thereby indirectly shaping significant advancements in computer science.

## FAQs
### Q: Who is Peter Weiner?
A: Peter Weiner is an American computer scientist and entrepreneur, born in New York City in 1942. He is known for his academic and industry roles, and for being the doctoral advisor to computer scientists Brian Kernighan and Dennis Tsichritzis.

### Q: Where did Peter Weiner receive his education?
A: Peter Weiner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from City College of New York in 1963. He then completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree from New York University Tandon School of Engineering in 1967.

### Q: Who were Peter Weiner's notable doctoral students?
A: Peter Weiner served as the doctoral advisor for two prominent computer scientists: Brian Kernighan, known for his work on the Unix operating system, and Dennis Tsichritzis.

### Q: What institutions and companies did Peter Weiner work for?
A: Peter Weiner's employers included Princeton University (1966-1969), Yale University (1969-1973), RAND Corporation (1973-1977), and Interactive Systems Corporation (1977-1982).

## Why They Matter
Peter Weiner's significance in the field of computer science primarily stems from his direct influence on the next generation of researchers and innovators. As the doctoral advisor to Brian Kernighan, a co-inventor of the Unix operating system, and Dennis Tsichritzis, a notable computer scientist, Weiner provided foundational academic guidance to individuals who profoundly shaped modern computing. His mentorship laid the groundwork for their future groundbreaking work and contributions to the field. Furthermore, his career trajectory, which included academic positions at prestigious institutions like Princeton and Yale, alongside industry research roles at the RAND Corporation and Interactive Systems Corporation, demonstrates a broad engagement with the evolving landscape of computer science during a critical period of its development. This combination of academic leadership and practical involvement underscores his lasting, albeit often indirect, impact on the discipline.

## Notable For
*   Doctoral advisor to Brian Kernighan, co-inventor of the Unix operating system.
*   Doctoral advisor to computer scientist Dennis Tsichritzis.
*   Holding academic positions at Princeton University (1966-1969) and Yale University (1969-1973).
*   Working in industry research at the RAND Corporation (1973-1977) and Interactive Systems Corporation (1977-1982).

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Peter Weiner was born on January 9, 1942, in New York City, United States. He is also known by the aliases Peter G. Weiner and P. G. Weiner. His academic career began at the City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1963. He continued his postgraduate studies at the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, successfully completing his Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1967. His doctoral research was supervised by Edward J. Smith.

### Career
Weiner's professional life as a computer scientist and university teacher involved roles across both academic and industrial sectors. He was employed by Princeton University from 1966 to 1969. Following this, he held a position at Yale University from 1969 to 1973. His career then transitioned to the RAND Corporation, where he worked from 1973 to 1977. Subsequently, he was employed by Interactive Systems Corporation from 1977 to 1982.

### Doctoral Advising
A key aspect of Peter Weiner's contribution to computer science was his role as a doctoral advisor. He notably advised two individuals who later became highly influential figures in the field:
*   **Brian Kernighan**: A Canadian computer scientist, recognized for his significant work, including his role as a co-inventor of the Unix operating system.
*   **Dennis Tsichritzis**: A computer scientist whose work has also made notable contributions to the discipline.

His occupations are listed as a computer scientist and university teacher.

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## References

1. [IEEE Transactions on Computers. 1970](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=1671595)
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. Linear pattern matching algorithms
4. LinkedIn