Erna Schneider Hoover (born June 19, 1926) is an American mathematician notable for inventing a computerized telephone switching method which "revolutionized modern communication".
[3] At Bell Laboratories where she worked for over 32 years,[5] Hoover was described as an important pioneer for women in the field of computer technology.
According to one source, she read the biography of Marie Curie which suggested to her that she could succeed in a scientific field despite the prevailing ideas about gender roles at the time.
[2][7] The computer, as a result, would adjust the call center's acceptance rate automatically, greatly reducing the overloading problem.
[12][7][13] Lawyers for Bell Labs handling the patent had to go to her house to visit her while she was on maternity leave so that she could sign the papers.
[3] The result of the invention was much more robust service to callers during peak load times: To my mind it was kind of common sense ...
[2] As a member of the board of Trustees of The College of New Jersey, she was described as a visionary who was instrumental in increasing women faculty as well as enrolling the "best prepared high school graduates" in the state, and she helped build the college into a respected institution of higher education by lobbying extensively for state funding.
Schneider Hoover was the recipient of the National Center for Women & Information Technology's 2023 Pioneer Award.
The legacy of Erna Schneider Hoover's work endures in the seamless and efficient communication networks that underpin contemporary society, particularly in business-to-customer interactions.
Her life's work not only transformed the telecommunications industry but also paved the way for future generations of women in science and technology.