A nun sister mary kenneth keller from cleveland ohio was the first woman and second person overall to receive a phd in computer science in the united states after assisting with the invention of basic programming languages

A Pioneer in Computer Science: Sister Mary Kenneth Keller

Did you know that the first woman to receive a PhD. in Computer Science in the United States was a nun named Sister Mary Kenneth Keller? Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller made significant contributions to the field of computer science, particularly through her involvement in the development of the BASIC programming language.

Sister Mary Kenneth Keller’s journey into the world of computer science began in the late 1950s when she enrolled in a computer programming course at Dartmouth College. This course sparked her passion for the emerging field, and she went on to earn her Master’s degree in Mathematics from DePaul University in 1958.

After completing her Master’s degree, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller joined the faculty at Clarke College, a small Catholic women’s liberal arts college in Iowa. During her time there, she collaborated with John G. Kemeny and Thomas E. Kurtz, who were developing the BASIC programming language at Dartmouth College. BASIC, which stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code, was designed to be accessible to beginner programmers and played a significant role in popularizing computer programming.

Sister Mary Kenneth Keller’s expertise and contributions to the development of BASIC were instrumental in its success. Her insights and support led to the widespread adoption of BASIC as a programming language, allowing more people, regardless of their technical background, to engage with computers and explore the possibilities they offered.

In 1965, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science in the United States. Her groundbreaking research focused on the application of computer technology in education, which was groundbreaking at the time. She recognized the immense potential of computers to enhance the learning experience and championed the idea of integrating technology into educational institutions.

Throughout her career, Sister Mary Kenneth Keller continued to inspire and educate others about the possibilities in the field of computer science. She played a crucial role in establishing computer science departments at several universities across the country and was passionate about promoting diversity within the field. Her contributions and dedication to computer science earned her numerous accolades and recognition, including being named one of the “Pioneers of Computing” by the Association for Computing Machinery in 1997.

Sister Mary Kenneth Keller’s legacy extends far beyond her groundbreaking achievements. She paved the way for countless women in computer science and continues to inspire future generations of programmers and technologists. Her dedication to education, innovation, and inclusion serves as a timeless reminder that anyone, regardless of gender or background, can make a significant impact in the world of technology.

Source: Association for Women in Computing