Robert Sedgewick

Sedgewick recognized for contribution to computer science education

By the Office of Engineering Communications and Association for Computing Machinery on May 3, 2019, 1:45 p.m.

Robert Sedgewick

Photo by
Phil McAuliffe

Robert Sedgewick, the William O. Baker *39 Professor in Computer Science, is the recipient of this year’s Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award from the Association for Computing Machinery.

Sedgewick, the founding chair of computer science at Princeton, was recognized for “developing classic textbooks and online materials for the study of algorithms, analytic combinatorics and introductory computer science that have educated generations of students worldwide,” the ACM said in announcing the award.

His book series “Algorithms,” first published in 1983 and including 12 books in four editions, has become a standard in the field. The books examine algorithms and data structures (in five different programming languages), with applications to science, engineering and industry. Sedgewick’s book for advanced graduate students, “Analytic Combinatorics” (co-written by Phiippe Flajolet), was the recipient of the 2019 Leroy P. Steele Prize for Mathematical Exposition from the American Mathematical Society. His recent book (with Kevin Wayne), “Computer Science: An Interdisciplinary Approach,” is a comprehensive introduction to the field and was named by ACM Computing Reviews as “Best of Computing Notable Book” for 2017.

Sedgewick has been a pioneer and innovator in online education. He co-developed extensive online content associated with his books that attracts millions of visitors annually. He has also recorded over 100 hours of online lectures on programming, computer science and algorithms that reach hundreds of thousands of people around the world. “The Sedgewick-Wayne Algorithms” online course has been listed as one of the top 10 massive open online courses (MOOCs) of all time.

The Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award is presented annually to an outstanding educator who is appointed to a recognized educational baccalaureate institution. The recipient is recognized for advancing new teaching methodologies; effecting new curriculum development or expansion in computer Science and engineering; or making a significant contribution to the educational mission of ACM. Sedgewick and other ACM award recipients will be honored at the ACM Awards Banquet on June 15 in San Francisco.

Related Stories

Sedgewick receives prize for mathematical exposition .

The American Mathematical Society has awarded its 2019 Leroy P. Steele Prize for Mathematical Exposition to Robert Sedgewick, Princeton’s William O. Baker *39 Professor in Computer Science, and posthumously to French computer scientist Philippe Flajolet, for their 2009 book “Analytic Combinatorics.”

Sixteen faculty members transfer to emeritus status .

Sixteen Princeton University faculty members were transferred to emeritus status earlier this year by the Board of Trustees.

Three Princeton professors to receive Phi Beta Kappa teaching awards .

The Princeton University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will give its annual awards for excellence in undergraduate teaching to John Burgess, the John N. Woodhull Professor of Philosophy; Robert Sedgewick, the William O. Baker *39 Professor in Computer Science; and Kevin Wayne, the Phillip Y. Goldman '86 Senior Lecturer in Computer Science.

Freedman receives top honor for computer science .

Michael Freedman, a professor of computer science, has been awarded this year’s Grace Murray Hopper Award from the Association for Computing Machinery.

Princeton extends learning through online Coursera classes .

Historian Jeremy Adelman is spending this fall teaching "A History of the World since 1300" to more than 50 students at Princeton University — and 80,000 students across the globe. Adelman is among seven professors debuting classes on the educational website Coursera as the University explores online technology to enhance learning at Princeton and extend its educational resources beyond campus.

Freedman, Singh named fellows of Association of Computing Machinery .

Princeton computer science professors Michael Freedman and Mona Singh have been named fellows of the Association for Computing Machinery in recognition of their significant contribution to computing and information technology. This year, the association named 58 new fellows from research centers, companies and universities around the world.

Eighteen faculty members transfer to emeritus status .

Eighteen Princeton University faculty members were transferred to emeritus status in recent action by the Board of Trustees.