# Thomas E. Anderson

> American computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q15994862](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15994862)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_E._Anderson)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thomas-e-anderson

## Summary
Thomas E. Anderson is an American computer scientist and professor known for his extensive research into the performance, reliability, and security of the Internet. He currently serves as a faculty member at the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering and is a recipient of the IEEE Koji Kobayashi Computers and Communications Award.

## Biography
- **Born:** August 21, 1961; Orlando, Florida
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:** Harvard University; University of Washington (PhD)
- **Known for:** Contributions to Internet performance, reliability, and security
- **Employer(s):** University of Washington; University of California, Berkeley
- **Field(s):** Computer Science

## Contributions
Thomas E. Anderson has made significant contributions to the fields of computer systems and networking. His research focuses on improving the fundamental infrastructure of the Internet, specifically addressing how to enhance its performance, reliability, and security. In 2013, he was honored with the IEEE Koji Kobayashi Computers and Communications Award for these specific contributions.

Anderson is also a prolific academic mentor. He has supervised numerous doctoral students who have become influential figures in computer science, including computer security expert Stefan Savage, computer scientist Margaret Martonosi, and researchers such as M. Amin Vahdat and Ratul Mahajan. His work in academia has been split between the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Washington. His professional standing is further evidenced by his election as an ACM Fellow in 2005 and his membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

## FAQs
### Q: What are Thomas E. Anderson's primary research interests?
A: His work primarily focuses on computer science, with a specific emphasis on the performance, security, and reliability of Internet systems.

### Q: What major awards has Thomas E. Anderson received?
A: He received the Mark Weiser Award in 2005, was named an ACM Fellow in 2005, and received the IEEE Koji Kobayashi Computers and Communications Award in 2013.

### Q: Where is Thomas E. Anderson currently employed?
A: He is a faculty member at the University of Washington Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.

## Why They Matter
Thomas E. Anderson’s work is foundational to the stability and efficiency of modern digital networks. By focusing on the reliability and security of the Internet, his research has helped shape the protocols and systems that allow global communication to function under heavy demand and potential threat. 

Beyond his technical research, Anderson’s impact is felt through his role as a leading educator. By advising a high volume of doctoral students who have gone on to lead major research initiatives in security and architecture, he has created a lasting academic legacy. His recognition by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE highlights his role as a key architect of modern computing systems.

## Notable For
*   **IEEE Koji Kobayashi Award (2013):** Recognized for contributions to Internet performance, reliability, and security.
*   **ACM Fellow (2005):** Elected for his significant contributions to the computing field.
*   **Mark Weiser Award (2005):** Recipient of this prestigious systems research award.
*   **Academic Mentorship:** Served as the doctoral advisor for prominent computer scientists including Stefan Savage and Margaret Martonosi.
*   **Institutional Leadership:** Faculty member at the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.

## Body
### Academic Background
Thomas E. Anderson was born in Orlando in 1961. He completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard University before attending the University of Washington for his graduate work. His doctoral studies were advised by Edward D. Lazowska and Hank Levy.

### Research and Career
Anderson's career has been defined by his tenure at two major research institutions:
*   **University of California, Berkeley:** Served as an employer and research site.
*   **University of Washington:** Currently affiliated with the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering.

His research in computer science is highly cited, particularly his work regarding the performance and reliability of the Internet. This work earned him the IEEE Koji Kobayashi Computers and Communications Award in 2013.

### Professional Memberships and Honors
Anderson is a recognized leader in the global scientific community:
*   **Association for Computing Machinery (ACM):** Named a Fellow in 2005.
*   **American Academy of Arts and Sciences:** Elected member.
*   **Mark Weiser Award:** Received in 2005.

### Mentorship and Doctoral Students
Anderson has advised a significant number of PhD candidates who have achieved individual prominence, including:
*   **Stefan Savage:** (PhD 2002), known for computer security.
*   **Margaret Martonosi:** Computer scientist and engineer.
*   **M. Amin Vahdat:** (PhD 1998, UC Berkeley).
*   **Neil Spring:** (PhD 2004, UW).
*   **Ratul Mahajan:** (PhD 2005, UW).
*   **Harsha V. Madhyastha:** (PhD 2008, UW).

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## References

1. Mathematics Genealogy Project
2. WorldCat
3. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
4. [Source](https://www.ieee.org/content/dam/ieee-org/ieee/web/org/about/awards/recipients/kobayashi-rl.pdf)
5. Virtual International Authority File