Biography:
Maria L. Gini is an Italian and American computer scientist known for her contributions in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. She has dedicated her career to advancing the field of computer science and promoting broad participation in computing.
Gini obtained a degree in physics from the University of Milan in 1972, where she laid the foundation for her future success. From 1974 to 1979, she worked as a Research Associate, followed by a position as a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Electronics at Politecnico of Milano in Italy from 1980 to 1982. It was during this time that she began to explore the field of computer science, ultimately shifting her focus towards this emerging discipline.
In 1982, Gini joined the Department of Computer Science at the University of Minnesota as an Assistant Professor, becoming the first woman in the department. Her appointment marked a significant milestone for women in computer science, as she broke barriers and paved the way for other female researchers and academics. Demonstrating her dedication and passion for her field, Gini received the Morse-Alumni Award in 1987, recognizing her outstanding achievements in teaching.
Over the years, Gini’s contributions to the field of artificial intelligence have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2001, she received the Distinguished Women Scholars Award from the University of Minnesota, further highlighting her accomplishments and leadership. In 2008, she was named an AAAI fellow for her significant contributions to coordination and competition in multirobot and multiagent systems. Gini’s impact on the AI community and her ability to inspire the next generation led to this well-deserved recognition.
In 2011, Gini received the Mullen-Spector-Truax Women’s Leadership Award from the University of Minnesota. This award is presented annually to a faculty or staff woman who has made outstanding contributions to women’s leadership development. Gini’s dedication to empowering women in computer science and her commitment to advancing their roles in academia and industry were recognized through this prestigious accolade.
Continuing her impressive journey, Gini was named an IEEE fellow in 2018. This honor reflects her significant contributions to the field of computer science and her continued impact in advancing the boundaries of knowledge. As of 2019, she has successfully guided and mentored 34 Ph.D students, as well as nearly 100 graduate students, further cementing her legacy in education.
Beyond her academic achievements, Gini has also made significant contributions to advocacy and outreach efforts. In 2010, she organized the first biennial MinneWIC event, which stands for ACM-W Celebration of Women in Computing in the Upper MidWest. The event brought together women in the field of computing, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration. Gini continued to organize subsequent MinneWIC events in 2012, 2015, and 2017, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for women in the computing industry.
Additionally, Gini initiated and runs the Summer Computing Academy at the University of Minnesota. This program invites female junior high and high school students interested in computing to a two-week day camp on campus. The students are introduced to the Python programming language and have the opportunity to interact with faculty members and tour research facilities. Gini’s dedication to cultivating the next generation of female computer scientists is evident through her efforts to provide educational opportunities and inspire young minds.
Throughout her career, Maria L. Gini has been a trailblazer, advocating for women’s participation in computer science and making significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence. Her persistence, dedication, and innovative thinking have earned her respect and recognition both within academia and the AI community. Gini’s work serves as an inspiration for women aspiring to pursue careers in computer science and her influence has had a lasting impact on the field.
Awards:
– Morse-Alumni Award for Teaching Excellence (1987)
– Distinguished Women Scholars Award from the University of Minnesota (2001)
– AAAI Fellow (2008)
– Mullen-Spector-Truax Women’s Leadership Award from the University of Minnesota (2011)
– IEEE Fellow (2018)