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45th Anniversary of Computer Science at Clemson University

Jack Peck Interview

Item

Title

Jack Peck Interview

Description

Dr. Jack Peck interviewed by Hallie Knipp for the 45th Anniversary of Computer Science at Clemson Oral History Project.

Abstract

0:32 Dr. Peck explains how he came to Clemson. Interviewed in Fall 1970. Came to Clemson January 1971, dual appointment in the Computer Center and in Math Department.

4:00 Dr. Peck speaks about growing up in South Louisiana, college years, graduate school.

6:49 First computer course taken in 1965.

14:00 Discusses the split of Computer Science from the Math Department. Mentions Joe Turner, Mike Westall, Harold Grossman, and Wayne Madison.

17:20 Peck discusses early programming languages used at Clemson, FORTAN and COBOL.

20:00 Peck discusses the work the department did with the Defense Department, Apparel Manufacturing.

27:25 Peck speaks about his time as interim chair of the CS department.

29:31 Peck speaks about his time in El Salvador.

24:30 “Open shop” at Clemson using punch cards and compiler system.

38:50 Peck describes the work his company does with Ipsy. Peck’s company co-founded with Dr. Ed Page, also a former Computer Science faculty member.

46:20 Peck explains genetic algorithms.

51:30 Peck discusses artificial intelligence (AI)

54:00 Peck discusses a patent he developed while at Clemson which utilized voice recognition within sewing machines.

1:00:00 Peck discusses the ways computer science has affected all academic disciplines, mentions writing papers on typewriters vs. using word processing software.

1:03:43 Peck closes his thoughts by arguing that Computer Science and Computer Engineering should be within the same department, as much of modern industry work requires knowledge of both subjects.

Date Created

June 7, 2023

Format

.mp3

interviewee

John (Jack) Peck

interviewer

Hallie Knipp

editor

Hallie Knipp