Oral History Interview with Jay Leavitt, Ph.D.

Abstract

This interview was conducted by CBI for CS&E in conjunction with the 50th Anniversary of the University of Minnesota Computer Science Department (now Computer Science and Engineering, CS&E). Professor Leavitt briefly discusses his early education and interests. The bulk of the interview focuses on his education at Brown and his doctoral education at NYU’s famed Courant Institute, his first faculty teaching position in University of Italy at Pisa, joining the University of Minnesota’s Mathematics Department, research in applied mathematics and computing, becoming a founding member of the Computer Science Department, as well as the early evolution of this department. He offers context on his work in such areas as numerical analysis, computer art, and computer networking. He was also central in assisting the University of Minnesota with policies and initiatives to practically adhere to federal legislation on disability and working to create accessible educational and research environments at the University of Minnesota. He also discusses his research, teaching, and administrative leadership at SUNY Buffalo, where he served as Director of the school’s Academic Computing Center.