# Jean E. Sammet

> American computer scientist (1928-2017)

**Wikidata**: [Q14232](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14232)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_E._Sammet)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jean-e-sammet

## Summary
Jean E. Sammet was an American computer scientist and mathematician best known for developing FORMAC, the first widely used computer algebra system based on FORTRAN. She was a pioneering figure in programming language design and made significant contributions to the field during her career at IBM and other institutions.

## Biography
- **Born**: March 23, 1928, in New York City, USA
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**:
  - Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, Mount Holyoke College (1948)
  - Master of Arts, University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1949)
  - Attended Columbia University
- **Known for**: Developing FORMAC, the first widely used computer algebra system
- **Employer(s)**:
  - IBM (1962–1988)
  - MetLife (1951–1952)
  - Barnard College (1952–1953)
  - Sperry Corporation (1953–1958)
  - Sylvania Electric Products (1958–1961)
- **Field(s)**: Computer science, mathematics

## Contributions
Jean E. Sammet is best known for creating FORMAC (FORmula MAnipulation Compiler), a computer algebra system based on FORTRAN, which was introduced in 1964. FORMAC was one of the first systems capable of symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions, making it a groundbreaking tool for scientific and engineering computations. Sammet also played a key role in the development of programming languages, contributing to the design and standardization of languages like COBOL. Her work at IBM and other institutions helped shape the field of computer science, particularly in the areas of programming languages and symbolic computation. Additionally, she was an active member of professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and CODASYL, where she influenced the development of programming language standards.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Jean E. Sammet best known for?
A: Jean E. Sammet is best known for developing FORMAC, the first widely used computer algebra system based on FORTRAN, which was introduced in 1964.

### Q: Where did Jean E. Sammet work?
A: Sammet worked at several notable institutions, including IBM (1962–1988), MetLife, Barnard College, Sperry Corporation, and Sylvania Electric Products.

### Q: What awards did Jean E. Sammet receive?
A: She received numerous awards, including the Computer Pioneer Award (2009), Computer History Museum Fellow (2001), Ada Lovelace Award (1989), and ACM Fellow (1994).

### Q: What was Jean E. Sammet's educational background?
A: She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College (1948) and a Master of Arts from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1949). She also attended Columbia University.

### Q: What organizations was Jean E. Sammet affiliated with?
A: Sammet was a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and CODASYL, where she contributed to the development of programming language standards.

## Why They Matter
Jean E. Sammet's work in computer science, particularly her development of FORMAC, had a lasting impact on the field of symbolic computation. FORMAC was one of the first systems to enable computers to manipulate mathematical expressions symbolically, which was a significant advancement for scientific and engineering applications. Her contributions to programming language design and standardization, including her involvement with COBOL, helped shape the way software is developed and used today. Sammet's leadership in professional organizations like ACM and CODASYL also influenced the broader computer science community, promoting collaboration and innovation. Without her work, the development of programming languages and symbolic computation systems might have progressed more slowly, affecting fields that rely on these technologies.

## Notable For
- Developing FORMAC, the first widely used computer algebra system (1964)
- Contributing to the design and standardization of programming languages, including COBOL
- Receiving the Computer Pioneer Award (2009) and being named an ACM Fellow (1994)
- Being a member of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and CODASYL
- Earning a Master of Arts from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (1949)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jean E. Sammet was born on March 23, 1928, in New York City. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Mount Holyoke College in 1948 and a Master of Arts from the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign in 1949. She also attended Columbia University.

### Career
Sammet began her career at MetLife (1951–1952) and later worked at Barnard College (1952–1953), Sperry Corporation (1953–1958), and Sylvania Electric Products (1958–1961). In 1962, she joined IBM, where she worked until 1988. During her time at IBM, she developed FORMAC, a computer algebra system based on FORTRAN, which was introduced in 1964.

### Contributions to Computer Science
FORMAC was one of the first systems capable of symbolic manipulation of mathematical expressions, making it a groundbreaking tool for scientific and engineering computations. Sammet also contributed to the design and standardization of programming languages, including COBOL. She was an active member of professional organizations such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and CODASYL, where she influenced the development of programming language standards.

### Awards and Recognition
Sammet received numerous awards for her contributions to computer science, including the Computer Pioneer Award (2009), Computer History Museum Fellow (2001), Ada Lovelace Award (1989), and ACM Fellow (1994). She was also recognized with the SIGPLAN Distinguished Service Award (1997) and the ACM Distinguished Service Award (1985).

### Legacy
Jean E. Sammet's work in computer science, particularly her development of FORMAC and her contributions to programming language design, had a lasting impact on the field. Her leadership in professional organizations like ACM and CODASYL also influenced the broader computer science community, promoting collaboration and innovation.

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## References

1. Jean Sammet: Programming Language Contributor and Historian, and ACM President
2. [Source](https://www.computerhistory.org/fellowawards/hall/jean-sammet/)
3. [Source](http://history.computer.org/pioneers/sammet.html)
4. [Source](https://www.computer.org/profiles/jean-sammet)
5. [Source](http://www.awc-hq.org/ada-lovelace-awards.html)
6. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/award_winners/sammet_1004423)
7. [Source](https://www.ncwit.org/profile/jean-sammet)
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [Source](https://awards.acm.org/fellows/award-recipients)
12. [Source](http://www.cbi.umn.edu/about/nsl/v40n1_2.pdf)
13. SNAC
14. [Jean Sammet, Co-Designer of a Pioneering Computer Language, Dies at 89. Jean Sammet, Co-Designer of a Pioneering Computer Language, Dies at 89](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/04/technology/obituary-jean-sammet-software-designer-cobol.html)
15. [Jean Sammet, a Remembrance](http://www.pl-enthusiast.net/2017/05/24/jean-sammet-a-remembrance/)
16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. Jean E. Sammet interview: March 28, April 4, April 11 and April 18, 2006
18. IdRef
19. CONOR.SI
20. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File