Born: May 14, 1955 (New York City)
Biography:
Marian Rogers Croak is a Vice President of Engineering at Google, renowned for her significant contributions to the field of telecommunications. Born on May 14, 1955, in New York City, Croak’s early fascination with science and technology was nurtured by her father, who built her a home chemistry set.
Croak’s educational journey paved the way for her groundbreaking career. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1977 and later obtained a Ph.D. in Quantitative Analysis and Psychology from the University of Southern California in 1982. Armed with her extensive knowledge and expertise, she embarked on her professional journey at AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1982.
In her inaugural years at Bell Labs, Croak immersed herself in the realm of human factors, investigating how technology could positively impact people’s lives. This pioneering work positioned her at the forefront of the digital revolution, allowing her to witness the advent of the Internet firsthand.
One of Croak’s earliest undertakings involved studying various digital messaging applications and their compatibility with each other, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of communication technology. This research, conducted in 1982, challenged conventions and laid the groundwork for future advancements. Consequently, Bell Labs embraced the TCP/IP protocol, championed by Croak and her team, as the standard mode for digital data transmission, revolutionizing the digital era.
Croak’s contributions to the field of telecommunications extended beyond these pivotal early years. Throughout her tenure at AT&T, she devoted her efforts to voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies. By converting voice data into digital signals, Croak and her team made it possible to transmit audio and video data efficiently over the internet. This breakthrough in telecommunications greatly advanced the capabilities of audio and video conferencing, transforming the way people communicate across distances.
In addition to her trailblazing work on VoIP, Croak attained over 200 patents throughout her career. Notably, she developed the technology that allowed cellphone users to donate money to charitable organizations using text messaging. This groundbreaking innovation emerged in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and revolutionized the landscape of disaster relief donations. Croak’s exceptional contribution earned her the esteemed Thomas Edison Patent Award in 2013.
Croak’s remarkable achievements have garnered widespread recognition and accolades. In 2013, she was inducted into the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame, honoring her profound impact on the tech industry. Furthermore, in 2022, Croak became an inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, celebrated for her patent related to VoIP technology. As one of the first two Black women to receive this prestigious honor, alongside Patricia Bath, Croak’s achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring inventors and women in technology.
Today, Croak continues to make significant contributions to the field of engineering as a Vice President at Google. Her groundbreaking inventions and dedication to improving communication technology have left an indelible impact on society. The widespread use of VoIP technology, pioneered by Croak, has become indispensable in the realms of remote work and conferencing, empowering individuals and organizations to connect and collaborate effortlessly across distances.
Awards:
– Inductee of the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame (2013)
– Thomas Edison Patent Award (2013)
– Inductee of the National Inventors Hall of Fame (2022)