Vernier Software & Technology was founded in 1981 in
Portland, Oregon, at the home of David Vernier, a high-school physics teacher, and Christine Vernier, a local business manager. David Vernier became acquainted with the use of computers and sensor technology, known as "probeware" or "Microcomputer Based Labs" (MBL), after attending a workshop at the
Oregon Graduate Center. This workshop inspired him to found Vernier Software & Technology. The first software programs developed by Vernier were scientific simulations for
Apple II computers. Christine originally handled the business aspect of the company. David took a leave of absence from teaching and began working at the company full time in 1984. Vernier collaborates with
Texas Instruments to develop the Calculator-Based Laboratory (CBL).
Oregon Business Magazine called the company of the "100 Best Places to Work in Oregon" in 2010, and one of the "Best Green Companies in Oregon" in 2009. In 2008, the company partnered with
Lego Education to allow sensors to be used with
Lego Mindstorms NXT. It also partnered with
Tufts University,
National Instruments and
Carnegie Mellon University.
Barack Obama visited the company during his
2008 presidential campaign. Vernier stepped down as CEO in 2015, and was replaced by John Wheeler. That year, it launched Vernier Connections, a website with science projects and educational material. Jill Hedrick became CEO of the company in 2024. and the Vernier Science Center at
Portland State University. The company also presents the annual Vernier Technology Awards to seven teachers at the
National Science Teachers Association convention. ==References==