Quantum physics
26 September 2014
Google director is the new Honorary Alumna at University of Copenhagen
Data Research
The top researcher Corinna Cortes, born in Denmark, spends most of her days on Google's floor of executive suites in New York City. At Google she is responsible for Google Research. But on 27 September she will return to the Danish capital to be appointed as an Honorary Alumna at University of Copenhagen.
Corinna Cortes spends most of her time in New York as head of Google Research. Now she - as a former student at the University of Copenhagen - is appointed as an Honorary Alumna. Click on the image to download it in high resolution. Photo: Mikal Schlosser.
This will happen on the Alumni Day 2014 where Corinna Cortes will talk about Big Data for the Society. Big Data is considered the golden egg of the digital age and Cortes’ position at Google Research makes her extremely qualified to talk about the development in that area.
Corinna Cortes has a Master of Science in mathematics and physics from The University of Copenhagen. She also has a Ph.d in computer science from The University of Rochester. Through her work with engineering she has created a career of global format. Because of this she is now appointed as a new member of InnovationsFonden (the national innovation foundation).
Research improves the internet
The Institute of Computer Science at The Faculty of Science has nominated Corinna Cortes as Honorary Alumna and head of department and professor Martin Zachariasen is pleased with the decision. He recommended Corinna Cortes with this explanatory statement:
"As a primary figure at Google’s research division Corinna Cortes is changing the way we use search engines on a daily basis all over the world. Her research has changed the internet – and will continue doing so."
Thomas Bjørnholm, head of UCPH Alumni and prorector of Research and Innovation adds:
"Corinna Cortes is as Head of Google Research in New York an example of how well alumni of University of Copenhagen fare on the global job market. With the appointing of Corinna Cortes The University gets an Honorary Alumna who has been able to place herself at the front of the internet. She has already had an impact on the development of the internet and will have an even greater impact in the future."
Engineering and algorithms
Corinna Cortes has worked with the algorithms of the internet for many years. In 1989 she was employed at AT & T Bell Labs where she started working with the development of algorithms in engineering. In 2003 this led to the position as Head of Google Research where her research was applauded after she developed the highly effective algorithm "Support Vector Machines" (SVMs).
In 2008 she received The Paris Kanellakis Theory and Practice Award for her contribution to the project that today has become one the most used algorithms in engineering. Corinna Cortes has kept her connection to The University of Copenhagen and in 2011 she became an associate professor at The Institute of Computer Science.
Corinna Cortes (b. 1961)
Employment
1989: Researcher at AT&T Bell Labs
2003: Head of Research, Google Research, New York
Education
1989: Masters of Science in mathematics and physics
1993: Ph.d in Computer Science at The University of Rochester
Honorary positions
2011: Adjunct Professor at The Institute of Computer Science at The University of Copenhagen
2014: Member of InnovationsFonden (the national innovation foundation)
Official honor distinctions
2000: Recipient of the AT&T Technology Medal
2008: Recipient of the Paris Kanellakis Theory and Practice Award
In addition
Corinna Cortes is a very competent marathon runner.
Contact
Ida Blinkenberg LidellCommunications OfficerThe University of CopenhagenUniversity Education Services, UCPH AlumniPhone: +45 35 32 46 32Mobile: +45 23 81 13 27Related News
Contact
Communications Officer Ida Blinkenberg Lidell
University Education Services, UCPH Alumni
Phone: +45 35 32 46 32
Mobile: +45 23 81 13 27
Mail: ida.blinkenberg.lidell@adm.ku.dk
Pictures of Corinna Cortes
The picture of Corinna Cortes can be used if credited to the photographer; Mikal Schlosser. On Saturday, September 27 professional pictures of Corinna Cortes will be taken when she receives the title and gives her speech in the Ceremonial Hall. You can get these pictures by contacting communications officer Ida Blinkenberg Lidell.
Interview
Read an interview with Corinna Cortes done by The University Post of The University of Copenhagen.
UCPH Alumni
Since 2007 UCPH Alumni, the Alumni Organisation at University of Copenhagen has been building bridge between students and former students, alumni. This happens via mentor programmes and other different meetings between studens and representatives of companies in Denmark and abroad.
UCPH Alumni awards Honorary Alumni. The title functions as a recognition of persons who has given a unique effort to their field of work and who has shown dedication and loyalty to the university.
Alumni Day 2014
For the first time ever, UCHP Alumni, the Alumni Organisation at University of Copenhagen will host Alumni Day on Saturday 27 September.
Former students (alumni) can come back to the university to hear top researchers give talks, meet other alumni and listen to a concert at The Church of Trinitatis and enjoy a banquet in the Ceremonial Hall at Frue Plads.
