# Irene Greif

> American computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q16745311](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q16745311)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Greif)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irene-greif

## Summary
Irene Greif is an American computer scientist known for her pioneering work in collaborative computing and her role as the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She made significant contributions to groupware systems and was a key figure in early collaborative software development.

## Biography
- Born: 1940 (circa)
- Nationality: United States
- Education:
  - Doctor of Philosophy, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1975)
  - Hunter College High School
- Known for: Pioneering work in collaborative computing and groupware systems
- Employer(s): Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Washington, Lotus Software (1987), IBM
- Field(s): Computer science, collaborative computing

## Contributions
Irene Greif is best known for her work in collaborative computing, particularly in the development of groupware systems. She was a key contributor to the early stages of Lotus Notes, a widely used collaborative software platform. Her research focused on enabling multiple users to work together on shared documents and projects, laying the groundwork for modern collaborative tools. Greif's work at IBM and Lotus Software helped shape the field of groupware, influencing how people interact and collaborate in digital environments. Her academic background at MIT, where she was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science, further cemented her legacy in the field.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Irene Greif's most significant contribution to computer science?
A: Irene Greif's most significant contribution was pioneering work in collaborative computing, particularly in the development of groupware systems, which enabled multiple users to work together on shared documents and projects.

### Q: Was Irene Greif the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT?
A: Yes, Irene Greif was the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1975.

### Q: Which companies did Irene Greif work for during her career?
A: Irene Greif worked for Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Washington, Lotus Software (from 1987), and IBM.

### Q: What awards has Irene Greif received?
A: Irene Greif has received the ACM Fellow award (1997), IBM Fellow award (1999), and was inducted into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame (2000) and the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Awards (2012).

### Q: Who was Irene Greif's doctoral advisor?
A: Irene Greif's doctoral advisor was Carl Hewitt.

## Why They Matter
Irene Greif's work in collaborative computing laid the foundation for modern groupware systems, which are essential for remote work and digital collaboration. Her research at IBM and Lotus Software helped shape the development of tools like Lotus Notes, which revolutionized how people share and edit documents in real time. Greif's contributions to computer science, particularly in enabling group collaboration, have had a lasting impact on the way people work together in the digital age. Her legacy as the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT also broke barriers for women in the field, inspiring future generations of computer scientists.

## Notable For
- First woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT (1975)
- Pioneering work in collaborative computing and groupware systems
- Key contributor to the development of Lotus Notes, a foundational collaborative software platform
- Recipient of the ACM Fellow award (1997) and IBM Fellow award (1999)
- Inducted into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame (2000) and the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Awards (2012)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Irene Greif was born in 1940 and attended Hunter College High School. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1975, becoming the first woman to receive this degree from MIT. Her doctoral advisor was Carl Hewitt, a prominent figure in the field of computer science.

### Career and Research
Greif's career began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she contributed to early research in collaborative computing. She later joined the University of Washington and, in 1987, moved to Lotus Software, where she played a significant role in the development of groupware systems. Her work at Lotus Software, particularly on Lotus Notes, helped establish the foundation for modern collaborative tools.

### Industry Impact
Greif's work at IBM further advanced her contributions to collaborative computing. She was recognized as an IBM Fellow in 1999, highlighting her impact on the company's research and development efforts. Her research focused on enabling multiple users to work together on shared documents, which became a cornerstone of modern groupware systems.

### Awards and Recognition
Greif's achievements were widely recognized, including the ACM Fellow award in 1997. She was also inducted into the Women in Technology Hall of Fame in 2000 and received the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Awards in 2012. These accolades reflect her significant contributions to computer science and her role in advancing collaborative technologies.

### Legacy
Irene Greif's legacy in computer science is marked by her pioneering work in collaborative computing and her groundbreaking role as the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT. Her research and industry contributions have had a lasting impact on the development of groupware systems, shaping how people collaborate in the digital age.

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## References

1. [Source](https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/irene-greif)
2. [Source](https://anitab.org/profiles/abie-award-winners/irene-greif/)
3. [Source](https://www.witi.com/halloffame/)
4. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
5. [Source](https://www.ibm.com/ibm/ideasfromibm/us/ibm_fellows/)
6. Mathematics Genealogy Project
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CiNii Research
9. [The First Woman to Get a Ph.D. in Computer Science From MIT. The Atlantic](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/03/the-first-woman-to-get-a-phd-in-computer-science-from-mit/284127/)
10. [Source](https://archivesspace.mit.edu/repositories/2/resources/854)