Over 128,000 citations on Google Scholar mark the career of computer scientist Deborah Estrin, a figure noted for her extensive contributions to informatics and sensor networks. Her research focuses on the intersection of mobile technology and personal data, particularly regarding how sensors and mobile devices can facilitate health management and user modeling.
Academic Foundation
Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Estrin pursued her education at the University of California, Berkeley, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and computer science in 1980. She subsequently attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earning her PhD in the same field in 1985 under the guidance of advisor Jerry Saltzer.
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Estrin served as a professor of Computer Science at the University of Southern California from 1986 until 2001. She later transitioned to the University of California, Los Angeles, holding a faculty position there between 2001 and 2013. In 2013, she joined the faculty at Cornell Tech as the Robert V. Tishman '37 Professor of Computer Science, becoming the institution's first academic hire.
Research and Innovations
Her work encompasses the design and application of heterogeneous wireless sensing systems. She founded the non-profit organization Open mHealth, which focuses on developing open data standards and tools for health application developers. At Cornell Tech, she directs the Small Data Lab and contributes to the Health Tech hub and the Connected Experiences Lab, exploring immersive recommendation systems and privacy implications.
Distinctions and Memberships
Estrin is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She has been recognized as a fellow by both the Association for Computing Machinery and the IEEE.
Fast facts
- Born: 1959, Los Angeles
- Education: UC Berkeley (BS), MIT (PhD)
- Key Field: Informatics
- Current Role: Professor, Cornell Tech
- 2018 Award: MacArthur Fellow
- 2017 Award: IEEE Internet Award
- 2000 Status: ACM Fellow
- Professional Membership: American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Questions readers ask
What is the focus of Deborah Estrin's research?
Her research focuses on mobile devices and sensors for data collection, particularly concerning health, well-being, and small data analytics.
What is Open mHealth?
Open mHealth is a non-profit startup founded by Estrin that creates data sharing standards and tools to assist developers in processing and visualizing health application data.
Achievements
- Notable work: Scalable timers for soft state protocols
- Held posts at Cornell Tech, University of Southern California and Cornell University
- Fields: informatics
