Biography of Philip Emeagwali, Computer Pioneer

Philip Emeagwali (born August 23, 1954) is a Nigerian-American computer scientist. He achieved distributed computing breakthroughs that helped lead to the development of the internet. His work with simultaneous calculations on connected microprocessors earned him a Gordon Bell Prize, considered the Nobel Prize of computing. Fast Facts: Philip Emeagwali Occupation: Computer scientistBorn: August 23, 1954 in Akure, NigeriaSpouse: Dale BrownChild: Ijeoma EmeagwaliKey Achievement: 1989 Gordon Bell Prize from the Institute of Electronics and Electrical EngineersNotable Quote: My focus is not on solving natures deeper mysteries. It is on using natures deeper mysteries to solve important societal problems. Early Life in Africa Born in Akure, a village in Nigeria, Philip Emeagwali was the oldest in a family of nine children. His family and neighbors considered him a prodigy because of his skills as a math student. His father spent a significant amount of time nurturing his sons education. By the time Emeagwali reached high school, his facility with numbers had earned him the nickname Calculus. Fifteen months after Emeagwalis high school education began, the Nigerian Civil War broke out, and his family, part of the Nigerian Igbo tribe, fled to the eastern part of the country. He found himself drafted into the army of the seceding state Biafra. Emeagwalis family lived in a refugee camp until the war ended in 1970. More than half a million of Biafrans died of starvation during the Nigerian Civil War. The Philip Emeagwali Family in 1962. Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons 4.0 After the war ended, Philip Emeagwali doggedly continued to pursue his education. He attended school in Onitsha, Nigeria, and walked two hours to and from school each day. Unfortunately, he had to drop out due to financial problems. After continuing to study, he passed a high school equivalency exam administered by the University of London in 1973. The education efforts paid off when Emeagwali earned a scholarship to attend college in the U.S. College Education Philip Emeagwali traveled to the U.S. in 1974 to attend Oregon State University. Upon arrival, in the course of one week, he used a telephone, visited a library, and saw a computer for the first time. He earned his degree in mathematics in 1977. Later, he attended George Washington University to earn a Masters degree in Ocean and Marine Engineering. He also holds a second Masters from the University of Maryland in applied mathematics. While attending the University of Michigan on a doctoral fellowship in the 1980s, Emeagwali began work on a project to use computers to help identify untapped underground oil reservoirs. He grew up in Nigeria, an oil-rich country, and he was someone who both understood computers and how to drill for oil. Conflict over control of oil production was one of the critical causes of the Nigerian Civil War. Computing Achievements Initially, Philip Emeagwali worked on the oil discovery problem using a supercomputer. However, he decided it was more efficient to use thousands of widely distributed microprocessors to do his calculations instead of tying up eight expensive supercomputers. He discovered an unused computer at the Los Alamos National Laboratory formerly used to simulate nuclear explosions. It was dubbed the Connection Machine. Emeagwali began hooking up over 60,000 microprocessors. Ultimately, the Connection Machine, programmed remotely from Emeagwalis apartment in Ann Arbor, Michigan, ran more than 3.1 billion calculations per second and correctly identified the amount of oil in a simulated reservoir. The computing speed was faster than that achieved by a Cray supercomputer. Wikimedia Commons / Creative Commons 4.0 Describing his inspiration for the breakthrough, Emeagwali said that he remembered observing bees in nature. He saw their way of working together and communicating with each other was inherently more efficient than trying to accomplish tasks separately. He wanted to make computers emulate the construction and operation of a beehives honeycomb. Philip Emeagwalis primary achievement wasnt about oil. He demonstrated a practical and inexpensive way to allow computers to speak with each other and collaborate all around the world. The key to his achievement was programming each microprocessor to talk with six other neighboring microprocessors at the same time. The discovery ultimately helped lead toward the development of the internet. Legacy Emeagwalis work earned him the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers Gordon Bell Prize in 1989, considered the Nobel Prize of computing. He continues to work on computing problems, including models to describe and predict the weather, and has earned more than one hundred honors for his breakthrough achievements. Emeagwali is one of the most prominent African-American inventors of the 20th century.

Egypt Mesopotamia Comparison - 961 Words

Egypt and Mesopotamia Comparison In order to completely understand the relationship between two events, comparing and contrasting is necessary. Through comparing similarities and differences it is easier to analyze why things developed and occurred the way they did. For example, in comparing Egypt and Mesopotamia it will be easier to achieve understanding of major aspects of their culture, the way other cultures impacted them, and their influence on the future. In addition to the similarities between the two cultures, the differences are what make them unique. Although Egypt and Mesopotamia both left stable heritage in their respective regions, due to geographic location their influences on politics,†¦show more content†¦However, the influences of Egypt basically ended following the fall of their civilizations. Finally, the social structure of the cultures reflects them in a more relatable way in the sense that it is more interesting to understand their daily life. Mesopotamian and Egyptian social structur es are similar because of the fact that they have a structure which divides their cultures into classes. In both cultures, the bottom of the social ladder was reserved for peasants and slaves who did the dirty work and hard labor that led to agricultural surplus and then the modernization of these cultures. In contrast, people in Egypt that were born commoners had more of an opportunity to attain high positions than those in Mesopotamian society where nobles were born into their rankings. In addition to social classes, both civilizations also formed a patriarchal society. In Egypt and Mesopotamia, men dominated public affairs as well as household decisions, and they always held positions of power. In both societies, women were able to influence men and even some positions of power such as high priestesses in Mesopotamia who managed estates owned by the temples whereas in Egypt women could serve as regents and ultimately hold positions of real power. For example, Hatshepsut was a fem ale ruler who filled the role of pharaoh for her stepson as he was too young. Despite their new found power in Egypt, they still where mainly responsibleShow MoreRelatedMesopotamia and Egypt Comparison Essay1190 Words   |  5 PagesKnown as one of the earliest civilizations, Mesopotamia and Egypt both share set amounts of similarities along with a share of striking distinctions. Environmentally, these two civilizations were formed in similar surroundings, yet their weather patterns show distinctions. Politically, both governments derived from a monarch, yet their laws and punishments distinguished the two’s court systems. Economically, they both shared prosperous success in similar manners. Socially, although the two landsRead MoreEgypt and Mesopotamia: A Societal and Religious Comparison Essays765 Words   |  4 Pagesdifferent. The religions in Egypt and Mesopotamia were similar because both were polytheistic, had beliefs of an afterlife, as well as priests who were part of the upper levels of the social hierarchy. Social similarities between Egypt and Mesopotamia included: rigid social structure, dependence on slavery, and authoritative religious structure. However, the system of government was different because Egyptian society was governed by a theocratic monarchy, while Mesopotamia was ruled by a traditionalRead MoreEssay on Compare and Contrast Egypt and Mesopotamia901 Words   |  4 PagesEgypt developed around the Nile River, while Mesopotamia developed between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Egypt and Mesopotamia grew into complex civilizations. Politically, both Egypt and Mesopotamia had a government with one main ruler, but Egypt had a centralized government with a pharaoh, while Mesopotamia had a decentralized government with a king. Socially, both civilizations were patriarchal, but Egypt was more lenient towards women while Mesopotamia was stricter. The political and socialRead MoreMesopotamia, Egypt, and Indus Valley Essay813 Wo rds   |  4 Pagesfascinating developments, the most prominent being the first civilizations, Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt. They had many similarities, such as characteristics of early civilizations and social structures, but they also had their differences. The most embossed differences included the divergent geography, prior belief, trade, relations with other civilizations, and politics. The earliest societies, such as Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt exhibiting indicator traits of civilization developed along the floodplainsRead MoreEgypt And Mesopotamia917 Words   |  4 PagesArchitecture in Egypt and Mesopotamia When you think about ancient architecture, what questions arise? Do you ask yourself about its history, durability, and structure? For example, Egypt is known for its pyramids, while Mesopotamia is known for its temple. Both are influential and recognizable after so many years and will continue to be for years to come, those questions come without a doubt to mind. In the following paragraphs, these questions will be answered and explainedRead MoreAncient Empires1235 Words   |  5 Pagesform of language at their time. Mesopotamia and Egypt show there similarities in the aspects of economic, political, and social elements with amazing similarities at a broad level until you look at specific comparison. Mesopotamia meaning land between the rivers is located in between the Tigris and Euphrates and is a vary arid zone surrounded by mountains and thanks to the irrigation canal they built it became a very impressive region for trade, on the other hand Egypt was a natural isolation privilegedRead MoreEgypt And Mesopotamia Similarities984 Words   |  4 PagesPaper 1 In what ways were the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt alike? In what ways were they different? What accounts for these similarities and differences? Mesopotamia and Egypt were the first known civilizations in history. While maintaining separate identities, they still managed to have a vast number of similarities. Differences that go beyond general location were also very prevalent between the two civilizations. One of the biggest similarities between the two civilizations isRead MoreThe Most Influential Innovators Of The Ancient World Essay1510 Words   |  7 PagesMesopotamia was once a vast fertile, green landscape with two mighty rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, running from the north to the south flowing into the Persian Sea. Sandy river valleys covered most of the south and mountain ranges dotted the north. This land was also known as the Fertile Crescent. Mesopotamia is one of the first major of civilization along with others that sprung up along major rivers around the world at approximately the same time. Mesopotamia was home to the SumeriansRead MoreDescribe The Relationship Between Ancient Civilizations1023 Words   |  5 PagesThese civilizations include; Mesopotamia, India, China and Egypt. Not only will I be explaining the relationship between these four civilizations, I will also be explaining how the geography of these civilizations relate to religion, social classes ,and writing. Paragraph 1 - Describe land and water forms The geography of these four civilizations are very important aspect of their culture and affect many things such as religion, social classes and even writing. Mesopotamia is the first known civilizationRead MoreMesopotamia, Egypt and Hebrews Essay975 Words   |  4 PagesMesopotamia, Egypt and Hebrews Mesopotamia and Egypt are known as the â€Å"place of the first civilization† followed by the Hebrews. These three societies traded extensively, but there was a difference in economic area. Mesopotamia was more productive of technological improvements, because their environment was more difficult to manage than the Nile valley. Trade contacts were more extensive, and the Mesopotamians gave attention to a merchant class and commercial law. Priests were part of the

The Outbreak of the HIV Virus, AIDS in 1980s Free Essays

Who would have ever thought that a disease, possibly brought to America by infected African monkeys, would affect the country forever? This is exactly what happened in the late nineteenth century when the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was introduced to America. The unpredictable epidemic caused a huge outrage for years to come. The outbreak of the HIV virus, AIDS, in the early 1980†³s resulted in medical research, public misconceptions, and ultimately growing awareness. We will write a custom essay sample on The Outbreak of the HIV Virus, AIDS in 1980s or any similar topic only for you Order Now Appearing first only in homosexual men, AIDS was an unfamiliar virus to the entire United States. Reports of unknown and unexplainable symptoms caused much confusion among patients and even doctors. In 1981, the first reports explained that 41 homosexual men in the San Fransisco area had â€Å"†¦ a rare and often rapidly fatal form of cancer† (Altman n. p. ). After years of researching these cases and millions of others appearing later in the decade, scientists discovered that it was not cancer they were dealing with. They called it HIV (Human Immune Virus) which leads to AIDS (Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome) that â€Å"†¦ rogressively destroys the body†s ability to fight infections and certain cancers† (ARIC n. p. ). With minimal research there was nothing to initially â€Å"combat† the virus; but, thanks to time and funding, there were some drugs that seemed to help stop the spread of the virus in ones body. These anti-retroviral drugs still don’t constitute as cures ! for the virus, but have definitely helped and continue to help patients live longer (ARIC n. p. ). Since a vaccine to â€Å"†¦ evoke an immune system response that will prevent infection or disease development† still has not been found, other treatments have been tested. Accupuncture, stress management, hypnosis, exercise, good nutrition, and an overall positive attitude all seem to alleviate symptoms even if they are not proven cures of the virus (Packer 78-88). Although AIDS is a life threatening disease, there were many people living with it by keeping healthy and staying safe. Scott Fried had not tried any of the aniviral drugs; however, practices such as taking 80 herbs and vitamins a day, staying physically fit, visiting the doctor every three months, and being happy have kept him alive with the virus for thirteen years (Fried speach). Most victims have not lived as long as he which is why AIDS has lead to some extensive research. Investigators supported by private and public funds continued to search for a cure or even an explanation of HIV/AIDS for two decades because like the â€Å"b! lack plague†, AIDS has killed off millions of people in a short time. Also like the black plague did, AIDS carried with it a long string of misconceptions. In the Middle Ages anyone carrying the â€Å"black plague† was to be avoided. Similarly, the public would often avoid people with AIDS. There were fabrications that AIDS could be caught by another human being from sneezing, coughing, hugging, kissing or even any â€Å"casual contact† ; so, people stayed away from those who were infected by AIDS. Another lie was that AIDS was caused by something magical or mystical (Taylor 23-24). Though some were overly careful of â€Å"catching† the virus, others were not careful enough. Since the initial outbreak was among gay men it was simply assumed that only gay men could be affected. Then reports of IV drug users having the disease still seemed to eliminate the chance of the common person being infected. Next, hemophiliacs and people who had had blood transfusions were reported followed by blacks, Hispanics, lesbians, straight women and finally white, heterosexual, males. Still everyone said â€Å"It can†t happen to me,† until it did (Fried speech). This assumption that AIDS only affected few amounts of people and only minorities was the basis of all misconceptions about that virus. People did not believe the virus could have any impact on their lives; but, it did impact everyones lives directly and or indirectly. Now that â€Å"AIDS is the second leading cause of death in the United States among people aged 25 to 44†³ (ARIC n. p. ), the misconceptions have been proven to be false. Although it was statistically correct that 66% of people infected by AIDS were homosexual males, 24% were IV drug users, and only 4% were heterosexual males or females (Packer 17) it was still a fact that AIDS can affect anyone. After years of research and statistical reports there were finally people relaying these messages to the public. Motivational speakers, like Scott Fried, continue to reach out to teens and adults about AIDS and sex. Information about these subjects can also be found easily, not only at hospitals or doctors† offices; but in books, magazines, pamphlets, and even on the internet. Conducting a simple search on http://www. yahoo. com came up with 164 â€Å"category matches,† 1,206 â€Å"web site matches,† and 237,000 web page matches. This means that HIV/AIDS appears at least 238,370 times on th! e world wide web and it shows that AIDS in an important component of modern life. Not only are people becoming aware of the AIDS epidemic, but they are becoming aware of sexuality through learning about AIDS. Before the outbreak of this fatal virus sex was only spoken about discretely. Now even kids are being made aware of the dangers of sex and spreading HIV. In this way HIV/AIDS had a positive affect on the country. People are aware of the facts and probably make better decisions. Some experts have said that AIDS will remain the way it is now and others predict it growing into a â€Å"huge epidemic† (Taylor 28). Hopefully due to this expansion of knowledge and recognition, he AIDS virus will not spread as quickly and infect as many people as it has in the past. HIV positive, homosexual, male, Scott Fried, said, â€Å"Ironically one of the blessings that HIV/AIDS has brought me is the abundance of love. . . † and perhaps that is true. Pertaining to the eighties and the early onset of the virus, AIDS caused much more commotion than love. However, every cloud has a silver lining and the hysteria has finally cleared up some myths. It has opened up the public to not only HIV/AIDS awareness, but sexual cognizance as well. How to cite The Outbreak of the HIV Virus, AIDS in 1980s, Essay examples

Never Been Kissed free essay sample

Have you ever looked at someone or heard something about someone and had an immediate image of them without even knowing their name or even talking to them? Everyone is guilty of Judging someone before they even get to know them. Teens today have to be careful about how they dress and act if they want to fit in with the crowd at high school. According to Jay Asher, Teens in the ass had the same basic desires as they do now. In his 1999 teen comedy Never Been Kissed, Raja Connell shows how teens Judged their peers by appearance, gossip, and status in high school. Much like the cruel insults and Judgments expressed in Never Been Kissed, there are several ways that teens Judge their peers by their appearance in high school. Teens are self-conscious about the way they dress because of the harsh Judgments they face from their peers. As said by Allen Fashion is a part of society, whether it be good or bad. Teens Judge each other by whether or not their appearance revolves around or creates new fashion. If someone isnt rocking the latest style, fashions hold on society deems them a loser. On the other hand, a new quiet kid in the high school after can instantly become popular simply by wearing the newest clothes or even unusual piercing. Unfortunately, the teenage mind undeniably Judges their peers by appearance without any consideration of personality or any true values. Connell shows this in his film Never Been Kissed when 25 year old copy editor Josses Seller is sent back to high school to do an undercover piece on high school kids. On her first day of school, Jokes outfit is chosen by her older friend Amanda whose knowledge of fashion stems from the ass. Her white Scares and feathered boa attract lot of negative attention and comments from the more popular kids in school like Kristin, who mouths off saying Like five chickens had to die Just so she could look that stupid. (Never Been Kissed). Because her style was ten years older than all the teenagers in the school, Josses was immediately labeled as a weirdo with no fashion sense or any hope of fitting in with the popular kids. Although appearance is a major factor in the way teens Judge each other, it isnt the only aspect they base their opinions on. Gossip is the main way information is spread around a high school, and everyone believes it. Teens believe every outrageous tale that they hear about anyone and judge people based on the rumors they are told. The rumor mill can make or break a tens reputation. In order to help Josses fit in with the cool crowd for her assignment, Rob offers to sign up for the same school to act as the cool-guy friend shell need to fit in. (Deeming). If Rob can become popular in high school again and the other teens see Josses hanging out with him, they will assume that Josses is Just as cool as Rob and tell all of their friends. Teens believe anything they say and hear and will pass around any information they have to everyone they know. One minute nobody knows your name, and the next, everyone is talking about how cool you are because of some silly gossip that isnt even true. In the film Never Been Kissed, Jokes younger brother becomes popular by lunchtime and tells all of the popular kids how awesome Josses is. Rob tells people that Josses has dated famous band members and that near parents invented x-lax and convinces people that seen deserves to be in the popular crowd. Shortly after Rob spreads the rumors about Josses, she is accepted by Kristin, Kristin, and Gibbs-the three most popular girls in school. Gossip s a big deal in high school and can totally change someones reputation-for better or for worse. In some cases, the rumors people spread can build someone up and give them confidence or even make them popular in school. In other cases, rumors can tear someone down. The gossip teens hear about othe rs puts immediate images in their head. Nobody has the desire to track down the truth behind a rumor and get to know the person everyone is talking about. In the sass a tens status in high school was everything. It defined who they were. Looking only at their high school status, teens label each other as lame or cool. The teens that everyone loves are usually athletes or cheerleaders. It doesnt matter how dumb he may be, the muscular football player is almost always cool simply because hes a strong athlete (Denny). Teens dont care about each others character or values. They dont have any interest in learning about who someone really is; teens would rather Just look at what somebody appears to be by what they do in high school than get to know anything about their personality. Teens Judging each other by status are shown in Never Been Kissed when the popular kids insult he geeky math nerd Ladys and call her Alp as in dog food. When she drives by one of the places that everyone goes to on weekends and the most popular guy in school, Guy, tells Ladys to go home and calculate how many lifetimes its going to take her to get cool. Everyone treats her like dirt because she isnt a cheerleader or anything cool like that. Although someone in a math club or other club of the sort is much smarter and has more potential than a dumb athlete or cheerleader, nobody treats them the way they deserve to be treated. Josses was an excellent writer and had a great attention in high school but nobody even noticed because they were too busy bullying her and calling her cruel names like Josses Grosser (Never Been Kissed).