Teaching

I teach by choice. I was fortunate to be at the foundation of the microprocessor and personal computer industry and this allowed me to retire from industry just before turning 50. At the suggestion of Sidney Burrus, I came to Rice to be surrounded by many very intelligent faculty, students and staff. My industry career allowed me to come to Rice with the primary desire of giving back in the form of passing on life’s lessons to very bright students.

Rice gave me the freedom to create and teach my own courses. I have taught variations of two courses for the past 16 years. The classes have all been relatively small by today’s Computer Science standards allowing me to interact with students on an individual basis. It is through individual interactions that true connections can be made with the students. In numerous evaluation comments through the years, students have said I was their favorite professor – and that meant so much to me.

I try to infuse things that helped me succeed in my career. As Chief Technology Officer for a major computer corporation, it was important for me to keep abreast of current technology and to communicate concepts effectively; something very useful for Rice students.