
Cleve Barry Moler
Mathematician and Computer Scientist
- Lifespan
- August 17, 1939 – May 20, 2026Aug 17, 1939 – May 20, 2026
- Location
- Prescott, Arizona, United StatesPrescott, AZ

Mathematician and Computer Scientist
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Key moments and achievements from Cleve Moler's life.
Cleve was born
· Prescott, Arizona, United States
Academic Achievement
Moler completed his Ph.D. in mathematics under the supervision of George Forsythe, a key figure in the development of computer science. This period established his expertise in numerical analysis and the intersection of mathematics and computing. His research during this time laid the groundwork for his future contributions to mathematical software.
Academic Achievement
Moler completed his Ph.D. in mathematics under the supervision of George Forsythe, a key figure in the development of computer science. This period established his expertise in numerical analysis and the intersection of mathematics and computing. His research during this time laid the groundwork for his future contributions to mathematical software.
Software Development
Moler co-authored these foundational Fortran libraries for numerical computing, which became the industry standard for solving linear equations and eigenvalue problems. While highly effective, the complexity of using these libraries in Fortran eventually inspired him to create a more accessible interface. This work established him as a leader in the field of numerical linear algebra.
Software Development
Moler co-authored these foundational Fortran libraries for numerical computing, which became the industry standard for solving linear equations and eigenvalue problems. While highly effective, the complexity of using these libraries in Fortran eventually inspired him to create a more accessible interface. This work established him as a leader in the field of numerical linear algebra.
Software Creation
While teaching at the University of New Mexico, Moler developed the first version of MATLAB as a pedagogical tool for his students. He designed the software to allow students to use LINPACK and EISPACK without having to write complex Fortran code. This interactive Matrix Laboratory was intended solely for classroom use and was not initially planned as a commercial product.
Software Creation
While teaching at the University of New Mexico, Moler developed the first version of MATLAB as a pedagogical tool for his students. He designed the software to allow students to use LINPACK and EISPACK without having to write complex Fortran code. This interactive Matrix Laboratory was intended solely for classroom use and was not initially planned as a commercial product.
Business Founding
Moler partnered with Jack Little and Steve Bangert to commercialize MATLAB, leading to the establishment of MathWorks. This move transitioned MATLAB from an academic teaching tool into a professional software package used globally by engineers and scientists. Moler took on a technical leadership role while crediting his partners with the company's business success.
Business Founding
Moler partnered with Jack Little and Steve Bangert to commercialize MATLAB, leading to the establishment of MathWorks. This move transitioned MATLAB from an academic teaching tool into a professional software package used globally by engineers and scientists. Moler took on a technical leadership role while crediting his partners with the company's business success.
Award/Honor
In recognition of his career-long impact on numerical computing and his role in advancing computational science, Moler was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. This honor arrived in the final year of his life, marking the pinnacle of his professional recognition. It served as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to both the theoretical and practical aspects of mathematics.
Award/Honor
In recognition of his career-long impact on numerical computing and his role in advancing computational science, Moler was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. This honor arrived in the final year of his life, marking the pinnacle of his professional recognition. It served as a formal acknowledgment of his contributions to both the theoretical and practical aspects of mathematics.
Cleve Moler passed away