Tulane School of Science and Engineering Celebrates Induction of Mark Wheeler ('89) and Amelia Archer into the Prestigious Paul Tulane Society

The Tulane School of Science and Engineering (SSE) proudly announces the induction of alumnus Mark Wheeler (’89) and his wife, Amelia Archer, into the distinguished Paul Tulane Society (PTS), recognizing their extraordinary commitment to advancing the university’s mission, particularly in the realm of cutting-edge technology and research.

As Dean Hridesh Rajan states, “Mark and Amelia exemplify Tulanians: dedicated to the university, generous in providing both their time and resources, and humble at their core. This induction is a well-deserved recognition of their long-standing contributions to our university.”

Mark Wheeler, a native of Waveland, Mississippi, graduated from Tulane in 1989 with a computer engineering degree. His path to Tulane was paved by receiving a dean’s honors scholarship. Wheeler credits his time at Tulane as a “challenging and high-growth experience” where he "felt supported at every step."

"Mark and Amelia exemplify Tulanians: dedicated to the university, generous in providing both their time and resources, and humble at their core."

Dean Hridesh Rajan

Wheeler’s professional life has centered on the practical application of technology. His career spans pioneering work in fields that took "maybe 20 years to see the light of day in the consumer world." Wheeler even rode in his first self-driving car in 1989! He has worked extensively in computer vision, robotics, and 3D printers. Notably, he was on the team at Apple and later joined a project at Google that became Google Earth Enterprise, where he gained deep exposure to mapping technologies. 

The induction honors the Wheelers’ dedication to ensuring Tulane remains on the leading edge of research. In 2024, Mark and Amelia made a transformative gift to establish the Endowed Chair in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Computer Science (CS) department. The specific goal of this gift is to add to Tulane’s expertise in AI by bringing in an individual who is very strong in interdisciplinary research. This specialist is intended to help elevate all research across Tulane, recognizing that AI capability is something every researcher needs to be aware of and able to take advantage of. Computer Science Department Chair, Carola Wenk, states, “The Mark Wheeler Endowed Chair in AI strengthens our department’s leadership in one of the most transformative areas of computer science.”

Beyond their significant philanthropy, Mark Wheeler remains actively involved with the university, currently serving on the Science and Engineering board. He is also engaged in outreach efforts to his fellow class of ’89 to encourage greater participation and connection to the school. Wheeler emphasized the importance of getting the alumni base energized and active to help Tulane "not only prosper but grow to reach its full potential." He views Tulane as a "hidden treasure" and acknowledges the tremendous effort required to keep the university working. 

The couple’s commitment to Tulane is mirrored in their family. Their son, Luke, is currently a junior at Tulane studying engineering physics with a minor in mechanical engineering. Their other son, Gavin, is studying at Carnegie Mellon (Wheeler’s other alma mater), but is reportedly "very jealous of Luke."

The School of Science and Engineering extends its profound gratitude to Mark Wheeler and Amelia Archer for their vision and enduring support, which will profoundly shape the future of interdisciplinary research and technological innovation at Tulane.