Biography:
Sophie Mary Wilson is an English computer scientist who has played an instrumental role in revolutionizing the world of technology. Born in June 1957 as Roger Wilson, she was raised in Leeds, Yorkshire, by parents who were both teachers. Her father specialized in English, while her mother focused on physics.
Wilson’s journey in the field of computer science began at Selwyn College, University of Cambridge, where she studied computer science and the Mathematical Tripos. During her time at the university, she became a member of the Microprocessor society, showcasing her early passion for the subject.
In a break from her studies, Wilson designed a microcomputer using a MOS Technology 6502 microprocessor. Inspired by the earlier MK14, she created this microcomputer to electronically control feed for cows. This impressive achievement demonstrated her talent and innovation even at a young age.
In 1978, Wilson’s exceptional skills caught the attention of Acorn Computers Ltd, leading to her joining the company. It was during her time at Acorn Computers that she designed a device to prevent cigarette lighter sparks from triggering payouts on fruit machines. This design paved the way for further accomplishments in the computer industry.
Wilson’s most notable accomplishment came in July 1981 when she extended the Acorn Atom’s BASIC programming language dialect to create an improved version for the Acorn Proton. This microcomputer played a pivotal role in Acorn winning the contract with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for their groundbreaking computer education project.
Under Wilson’s guidance, Acorn Computers built the BBC Micro, which became a significant success. Wilson’s expertise and leadership were instrumental in the development of the BBC BASIC programming language, which she led for the next 15 years. This programming language played a crucial role in introducing young people to coding and computer science.
However, Wilson’s impact on the world of technology went beyond the BBC Micro. In 1983, she embarked on designing the ARM reduced instruction set computer (RISC), a project that would change the landscape of technology. Two years later, the ARM architecture went into production and quickly gained popularity in embedded systems.
Today, the ARM architecture is the most widely used processor architecture in smartphones, showcasing the enduring impact of Wilson’s pioneering work. Her contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed, as she was recognized as one of the most important women in tech history by Maximum PC in 2011.
In addition to her groundbreaking accomplishments, Wilson has had a successful career in the technology industry. She currently serves as a director at Broadcom Inc., a renowned technology conglomerate, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in the field.
Wilson’s contributions to technology and computer science have not only made her a respected figure in her field but have also influenced society as a whole. Her innovations and dedication to advancing computer education have laid the foundation for countless individuals to pursue careers in technology.
Awards:
– Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2019