John Koza

American computer scientist

John R. Koza is a computer scientist and a former adjunct professor at Stanford University, most notable for his work in pioneering the use of genetic programming for the optimization of complex problems. Koza co-founded Scientific Games Corporation, a company which builds computer systems to run state lotteries in the United States.2

From Wikipedia’s article on John Koza (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born 1944.1

About

John Koza is also credited with being the creator of the 'scratch card' with the help of retail promotions specialist Daniel Bower.

Koza was born in 1944 and earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Michigan, being the second person to ever earn a bachelor's degree in computer science. He earned a doctoral degree in computer science from the University of Michigan in 1972.

Koza was featured in Popular Science for his work on evolutionary programming that alters its own code to find far more complex solutions. The machine, which he calls the "invention machine", has created antennae, circuits, and lenses, and has received a patent from the US Patent Office.

From Wikipedia’s article on John Koza, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

  • 1972University of Michigan Doctor of Philosophy3
  • Date not recordedRedford Union High School3

Career

Occupation: businessperson, political activist, computer scientist, university teacher.8

Personal life

  • CitizenshipUnited States9

Politics

Koza advocates for a plan to revamp the way states choose their electors for the Electoral College in the United States, such that candidates who win the majority of the popular vote would then win a majority of the electors through an interstate compact. He established the organization National Popular Vote Inc. to advocate for state adoption of the policy and the election of supportive candidates.

Koza is a registered Democrat, having twice served as a Democratic elector.

From Wikipedia’s article on John Koza (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Sources

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