Walter Carlson interview
Thomas Haigh, Walter M. Carlson · 2006
Walter Carlson discusses his entire career in the computing field. Born in Denver in 1916, Carlson studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Colorado, gaining both bachelors and masters degrees in Chemical Engineering. On graduation Carlson went to work for DuPont, where he worked as part of the corporate Engineering Department to improve industrial processes in different plants. In 1954 his involvement in a feasibility study to investigate computer procurement won Carlson a job as Manager of Operations Analysis, heading technical computing for DuPonts Univac I installation. Carlson explains the steps taken to create the new installation, its staffing and operations, early computing applications, early compilers and programming techniques, and his involvement in the Univac Users Association and the Operations Research Society of America. Carlson worked within the American Institute of Chemical Engineers on a committee to explore mechanical computing.