2024 Alumni Awards

 

Join us for a reception to honor the 2024 alumni award winners, Dr. Amber Johnson Avery and Dr. Kostas Pantazopoulos, in the Department of Computer Science. 
 

Fri Apr 12 | 2:30-3:30 | LWSN Commons

Distinguished Alumni Award 

The Distinguished Alumni Award is awarded to exceptional alumni who provide significant leadership within their chosen field as well as noteworthy professional accomplishments that reflect favorably on their profession, the College of Science, Purdue University and society. The award recipients represent the very best of our alumni and we are honored to celebrate their significant achievements in the field and around the world.

The 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient is Dr. Kostas Pantazopoulos.

Dr. Kostas Pantazopoulos joined Brevan Howard Asset Management in 2020, serving as Senior Trader and Portfolio Manager. After earning a Bachelor in Engineering at the University of Patras in his native Greece, Dr. Pantazopoulos came to Purdue University to continue his graduate education. Snehal Antani is an entrepreneur, technologist, and investor. He is chief executive officer and founder of Horizon3.ai, a growth-stage cyber security company using AI to deliver autonomous penetration testing.  

After earning his doctorate degree from Purdue University, Dr. Pantazopoulos began a 20 year career with Goldman Sachs, and Goldman Sachs International, in New York and London. He assumed many responsibilities during his tenure. Having been promoted to managing director in 2004, he assumed the leadership of the European Interest Rates Group. When promoted to Partner in 2006, he assumed the leadership of the Global Interest Rates Group. For several years he was also responsible for the Asia Macro Business. Dr. Pantazopoulos served on several leadership committees for years, including the Firmwide Risk Committee, the Partnership Committee, and the European Management committee. He served in the operating build up and board of Rothsay Life.

 

Early Career Scientist Award

 

The Early Career Scientist Award honors an alumna/alumnus who has graduated within the last 10 years and illustrates the promise of becoming a leader among her/his peers.  

The 2024 Early Career Scientist Award recipient is Dr. Amber Johnson Avery.

Dr. Amber Johnson Avery is a visionary entrepreneur hailing from Jackson, MS, known for her pioneering spirit in both the tech and business worlds. She made history as the first Black woman to earn a PhD in Computer Science from Purdue University and is the driving force behind The Kidult Life, a dynamic lifestyle brand.

Dr. Johnson Avery also co-founded the JXN Tech District, a live-work-play real estate development project in downtown Jackson. During her time at Purdue University, she wore various hats, most notably serving as President of the Computer Science Graduate Student Board.

Her innovative spirit led her to pioneer groundbreaking software tools during her PhD research, fundamentally transforming the way medical professionals approach chronic conditions in patients. This mission was deeply personal, driven by the memory of her aunt, who battled a chronic lung disease. With a background spanning academia, software engineering, and mentorship, Dr. Johnson Ais a passionate advocate for bridging the digital divide and empowering youth through technology. Dr. Amber's dedication to innovation and community development shines through in all her endeavors, making her a trailblazer in her field.