# Steven Skiena

> American computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q7615279](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7615279)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Skiena)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/steven-skiena

## Summary
Steven Skiena is an American computer scientist and university professor known for his contributions to algorithm design, computational geometry, and data science. He is a Distinguished Teaching Professor at Stony Brook University and the author of widely used textbooks, including *The Algorithm Design Manual*.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 30, 1961, in New York City, USA
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**:
  - Bachelor of Science, University of Virginia (1983)
  - Master of Science, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1985)
  - Doctor of Philosophy, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1988)
- **Known for**: Algorithm design, computational geometry, and data science education
- **Employer(s)**: Stony Brook University (since 1988)
- **Field(s)**: Computer science

## Contributions
Steven Skiena has made significant contributions to computer science through his research, teaching, and publications. His book *The Algorithm Design Manual* (first published in 1997) is a standard reference in algorithm design and has been widely adopted in academia and industry. He has also authored *Computational Discrete Mathematics* and *The Data Science Design Manual*, further establishing his influence in computational theory and data science.

Skiena’s research spans computational geometry, graph algorithms, and bioinformatics. He has supervised numerous doctoral students, including Vinhthuy Phan, Barry Cohen, Saumyadipta Pyne, and Vladimir Filkov, contributing to the next generation of computer scientists. His work on algorithm design has been cited extensively, and his educational resources, including online lectures and open-access materials, have reached a global audience.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Steven Skiena best known for?
A: Steven Skiena is best known for his book *The Algorithm Design Manual*, a widely used textbook in computer science, and his research in algorithm design and computational geometry.

### Q: Where does Steven Skiena work?
A: He is a Distinguished Teaching Professor at Stony Brook University, where he has been employed since 1988.

### Q: What degrees does Steven Skiena hold?
A: He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Virginia (1983), a Master of Science (1985), and a Ph.D. (1988) from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign.

### Q: Who was Steven Skiena’s doctoral advisor?
A: His doctoral advisor was Herbert Edelsbrunner, an American-Austrian computer scientist.

### Q: What awards has Steven Skiena received?
A: He was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2018.

## Why They Matter
Steven Skiena’s work has had a lasting impact on computer science education and research. His textbooks, particularly *The Algorithm Design Manual*, have shaped how algorithms are taught and understood worldwide. By making complex topics accessible, he has influenced generations of students and professionals. His research in computational geometry and graph algorithms has advanced theoretical computer science, while his mentorship has produced notable scholars in the field. Without his contributions, algorithm design education and computational research would lack some of its most foundational resources.

## Notable For
- Author of *The Algorithm Design Manual*, a seminal textbook in computer science.
- Distinguished Teaching Professor at Stony Brook University.
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2018).
- Doctoral advisor to multiple influential computer scientists.
- Active contributor to computational geometry and data science research.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Steven Skiena was born on January 30, 1961, in New York City. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Virginia in 1983. He then pursued graduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, completing his Master of Science in 1985 and his Ph.D. in 1988 under the supervision of Herbert Edelsbrunner.

### Career and Research
Skiena joined Stony Brook University in 1988, where he has since become a Distinguished Teaching Professor. His research focuses on algorithm design, computational geometry, and bioinformatics. He has published extensively in these areas, with his work cited in both academic and industry contexts.

### Publications and Influence
Skiena’s most notable publication is *The Algorithm Design Manual* (1997), which has become a standard reference for students and professionals. He has also authored *Computational Discrete Mathematics* and *The Data Science Design Manual*, further cementing his role as an educator and researcher. His online lectures and open-access materials have expanded his reach beyond traditional academia.

### Awards and Recognition
In 2018, Skiena was elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, recognizing his contributions to computer science education and research.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Steven Skiena",
  "jobTitle": "Distinguished Teaching Professor",
  "worksFor": {"@type": "Organization", "name": "Stony Brook University"},
  "nationality": {"@type": "Country", "name": "United States"},
  "birthDate": "1961-01-30",
  "birthPlace": "New York City, United States",
  "alumniOf": [
    {"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Virginia"},
    {"@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign"}
  ],
  "knowsAbout": ["Computer Science", "Algorithm Design", "Computational Geometry"],
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q7613370",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Skiena"
  ],
  "description": "American computer scientist known for his work in algorithm design and computational geometry."
}

## References

1. Prabook
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Mathematics Genealogy Project
5. Library of Congress Authorities
6. [Source](https://www.cs.stonybrook.edu/people/faculty/StevenSkiena)
7. [Source](https://www.aaas.org/news/aaas-honors-accomplished-scientists-2018-elected-fellows)
8. general catalog of BnF
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. Quora
12. YouTube API