# William Baker Thompson

> Ph.D. University of Southern California 1975

**Wikidata**: [Q102197323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q102197323)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-baker-thompson

## Summary
William Baker Thompson is a computer scientist and university teacher who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1975. He is known for his work in computer graphics and has held academic positions at the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota. His contributions to the field have influenced research and education in computer science.

## Biography
- Born: 1948
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Ph.D., University of Southern California (1975)
- Known for: Pioneering work in computer graphics
- Employer(s): University of Utah, University of Minnesota
- Field(s): Computer graphics, computer science

## Contributions
William Baker Thompson has made significant contributions to computer graphics, a subfield of computer science. His research and teaching have advanced the understanding and application of computer graphics techniques. He has published works and mentored doctoral students, including James Bradley Moen and Karen Tracy Sutherland. His academic career at institutions like the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota has shaped the next generation of computer scientists.

## FAQs
### Q: What is William Baker Thompson known for?
A: William Baker Thompson is known for his work in computer graphics and his academic contributions to computer science, particularly through his research and teaching at institutions like the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota.

### Q: Where did William Baker Thompson earn his Ph.D.?
A: William Baker Thompson earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1975.

### Q: What are some of William Baker Thompson's notable employers?
A: William Baker Thompson has held academic positions at the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota.

### Q: Who were some of William Baker Thompson's doctoral students?
A: Some of William Baker Thompson's doctoral students include James Bradley Moen and Karen Tracy Sutherland.

### Q: What is William Baker Thompson's field of work?
A: William Baker Thompson's field of work is computer graphics, a subfield of computer science.

## Why They Matter
William Baker Thompson's work in computer graphics has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing research and education in computer science. His academic contributions have shaped the careers of numerous students and researchers. By advancing computer graphics techniques, he has contributed to the development of technologies that are fundamental to modern computing and digital media. His influence extends beyond his direct contributions, as his mentorship and research have laid the groundwork for future innovations in the field.

## Notable For
- Pioneered research in computer graphics, a subfield of computer science.
- Held academic positions at the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota.
- Mentored notable doctoral students, including James Bradley Moen and Karen Tracy Sutherland.
- Contributed to the advancement of computer science education and research.
- Worked in the industrial and service sectors, influencing the broader field of computer science.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
William Baker Thompson was born in 1948. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in 1975, specializing in computer science.

### Career and Research
Thompson's career has been marked by significant contributions to computer graphics. He has held academic positions at the University of Utah and the University of Minnesota, where he has conducted research and mentored students.

### Academic Influence
Thompson's work has influenced the field of computer graphics, shaping the research and education of future computer scientists. His doctoral students, including James Bradley Moen and Karen Tracy Sutherland, have continued to make significant contributions to the field.

### Legacy
William Baker Thompson's legacy in computer science is characterized by his pioneering work in computer graphics and his role in advancing the field through teaching and mentorship. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the industry and academia.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project
3. [Source](https://users.cs.utah.edu/~thompson/thompson-cv.pdf)
4. [Source](https://viaf.org/viaf/data/viaf-20230206-links.txt.gz)
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File