Born: 1926 (Irvington, New Jersey)
Biography:
Erna Schneider Hoover (born June 19, 1926) is an American mathematician who is best known for her groundbreaking work in computerized telephone switching systems. Her invention revolutionized modern communication by preventing system overloads and enabling more robust phone service during peak calling times. Throughout her career, Hoover was a trailblazer for women in the field of computer technology.
Born in Irvington, New Jersey, Erna Schneider was raised in South Orange. Her father was a dentist and her mother was a teacher. At an early age, Hoover developed a passion for swimming, sailing, and canoeing, as well as an interest in science. Inspired by the biography of Marie Curie, she believed that she could excel in a scientific field, despite the prevailing gender norms of the time.
Hoover attended Columbia High School in nearby Maplewood, graduating in 1944. In recognition of her achievements, she was later inducted into the school’s hall of fame in 2007. She then enrolled at Wellesley College, where she studied classical and medieval philosophy and history. Hoover graduated with honors in 1948, earning a bachelor’s degree and being inducted into the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa society. She was also honored as a Durant Scholar.
Continuing her academic pursuits, Hoover went on to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy and foundations of mathematics from Yale University in 1951. After completing her doctorate, she began her career as a professor of philosophy and logic at Swarthmore College, where she taught from 1951 to 1954. Despite her qualifications and expertise, Hoover faced difficulties in securing a tenure-track position, likely due to gender and marital status biases at the time.
In 1953, Erna Schneider Hoover married Charles Wilson Hoover, Jr., a supportive spouse who encouraged her career ambitions. In 1954, she joined Bell Labs as a senior technical associate and quickly excelled in her role. Her work there included participating in an internal training program that was considered the equivalent of a master’s degree in computer science.
During this time, the telecommunications industry was transitioning from electronic to computer-based technologies. One of the major challenges faced by call centers was the overwhelming influx of thousands of calls in a short amount of time, causing the entire system to freeze up due to the limitations of electronic relays. Leveraging her expertise in symbolic logic and feedback theory, Hoover developed a groundbreaking method to program call center control mechanisms. This method used data about incoming calls to prioritize processes and ensure the smooth operation of the system. By monitoring the frequency of incoming calls at different times, her innovative approach enabled call centers to handle peak call volumes without overloading the system.
Erna Schneider Hoover’s invention had a profound impact on the telecommunications industry, revolutionizing the way phone systems operated. Her work became the basis for modern computerized telephone switching systems and played a crucial role in the advancement of communication technology.
Throughout her 32-year tenure at Bell Labs, Hoover was recognized as an important pioneer for women in computer technology. Her achievements and contributions paved the way for future generations of women in the field. Today, she is celebrated as a trailblazer and an inspiration to women pursuing careers in STEM.
Awards:
– National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductee (2008)
– John W. Mauchly Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Computer Science and Engineering (2007)
– Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (2000)
– Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1993)
– Wellesley College Alumnae Achievement Award (1982)