Dr. Irene A. Gargantini, a native of Italy, received her doctorate from the University of Milan, where she worked on mathematical and computational problems connected with high energy physics. Following positions at the University of Milan and the IBM Laboratory in Zurich, Dr. Gargantini joined the Department of Computer Science at Western in 1968, and became full professor in 1985. She served as Acting Chair of the department for one year, later taking on the responsibility as Chair, from 1986-1991.
    Dr. Gargantini’s initial work in numerical analysis included results in approximation theory, continued fractions and polynomial root-finding. Her paper on “circular arithmetic,” published in 1972 is regarded as a classic in the field. More recently, her work in the representation of data for visualization, particularly for her pioneering work on quadtrees and oct-trees, has won her, and Western, widespread recognition.
    During her distinguished career, Dr. Gargantini has been honoured by the IBM Centre for Advanced Studies (1992) for her outstanding leadership in promoting Canadian computer science. She remains an active researcher and active member of the academic community, serving on committees in the department, the university and nationally, including a current role on an NSERC Grant Selection Committee.
    Dr. Irene Gargantini is currently Professor Emeritus, Computer Science at The University of Western Ontario, Canada.

June 8, 2000