# Mary Kenneth Keller > first American woman to receive a PhD in computer science (1913-1985); simultaneously with Irving Tang first American to receive PhD in computer science, nun **Wikidata**: [Q11752](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11752) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Kenneth_Keller) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mary-kenneth-keller ## Summary Sister Mary Kenneth Keller (1913–1985) was an American computer scientist, educator, and religious sister. She is best known as the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in computer science, a milestone she achieved in 1965. A member of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, she played a pivotal role in establishing computer science education at Clarke University. ## Biography * **Born:** December 17, 1913, in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. * **Died:** January 10, 1985, in Dubuque, Iowa, United States. * **Birth Name:** Evelyn Marie Keller. * **Nationality:** United States. * **Religion / Worldview:** Catholicism. * **Religious Order:** Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. * **Education:** * Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Science, University of Wisconsin–Madison (1962–1965). * Studied at DePaul University, Clarke University, and Mundelein College. * **Doctoral Advisor:** Preston C. Hammer. * **Employer(s):** Clarke University (Dubuque, Iowa). * **Field(s):** Computer Science, Mathematics. * **Occupation:** Computer Scientist, University Teacher, Mathematician. ## Contributions Mary Kenneth Keller's most significant contribution was her groundbreaking academic achievement in the field of computer science. In 1965, she successfully completed her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin–Madison under advisor Preston C. Hammer. This distinction made her the first American woman to receive a Ph.D. in computer science. She earned this historic title simultaneously with Irving Tang, who became the first American man to receive the same degree. As an academic, Keller was affiliated with Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa. Her work there focused on the development and teaching of computer science and mathematics. She was an advocate for the expanding role of computers in higher education and worked to establish rigorous academic standards for the new discipline. Keller was also deeply involved in the broader scientific community. She held memberships in several key professional organizations, including the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Mathematical Association of America (MAA), and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). Through these roles, she contributed to the discourse on computation and applied mathematics during a formative era for the industry. ## FAQs ### Q: Was Mary Kenneth Keller a nun? Yes. She was a religious sister belonging to the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. She was commonly referred to as Sister Mary Kenneth or Sister Mary K. Keller. ### Q: What was Mary Kenneth Keller's doctorate specifically in? She received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1965. ### Q: Who was the first American woman to get a PhD in Computer Science? Mary Kenneth Keller is recognized as the first American woman to earn a Ph.D. in this field, receiving her degree in 1965 alongside Irving Tang. ### Q: Where did she work? She was employed by Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa, where she served as a university teacher in computer science and mathematics. ## Why They Matter Mary Kenneth Keller was a trailblazer who bridged the gap between religious life and the forefront of technological innovation. Her historic achievement in 1965—becoming the first American woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science—serves as a landmark in the history of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This accomplishment challenged the gender norms of the mid-20th century and established a precedent for women seeking advanced degrees in computing. Her significance extends beyond her personal academic record to her role as an educator. By dedicating her career to teaching at Clarke University, she directly influenced the early education of computer scientists. Her membership in elite organizations like the ACM and SIAM further indicates that she was an active participant in shaping the professional landscape of computer science during its critical development phase. Keller's life demonstrated that academic rigor and religious vocation could coexist, inspiring future generations of diverse scholars. ## Notable For * **First American Woman Ph.D. in CS:** Achieved in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. * **Historic First (with Irving Tang):** She and Irving Tang were the first Americans (of any gender) to receive Ph.D.s in computer science on the same day. * **Religious Vocation:** A professed member of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul. * **Professional Leadership:** Member of the Association for Computing Machinery, the Mathematical Association of America, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. * **Educator:** Long-time faculty member at Clarke University. ## Body ### Early Life and Religious Vocation Mary Kenneth Keller was born Evelyn Marie Keller on December 17, 1913, in Cleveland, Ohio. She later joined the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, a Catholic religious order, taking the name Sister Mary Kenneth. She resided in Dubuque, Iowa, for a significant portion of her life and career. ### Academic Career and Education Keller pursued an extensive education in mathematics and computing. Her academic path included studies at: * **Mundelein College** * **DePaul University** (Private Catholic university in Chicago, IL) * **Clarke University** Her most notable academic milestone occurred between 1962 and 1965 when she pursued her doctorate at the **University of Wisconsin–Madison**. Studying under **Preston C. Hammer**, she completed her dissertation and was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science in 1965. This event is historically noted as occurring simultaneously with Irving Tang's graduation, marking them both as the first Americans to achieve this specific doctorate. ### Professional Service Throughout her career, Keller maintained active involvement in the scientific community. She is listed as a member of: * **Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)** * **Mathematical Association of America (MAA)** * **Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)** She served as a university teacher and educator, primarily affiliated with **Clarke University** in Dubuque. ### Death and Legacy Mary Kenneth Keller died on January 10, 1985, in Dubuque, Iowa. She was buried at the Sisters of Charity Cemetery. Her contributions are recorded in various authority files including the Library of Congress (n88637471) and the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID: 82720). She is officially classified in knowledge bases as a computer scientist, mathematician, and university teacher. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.ams.org//journals/notices/197306/197306FullIssue.pdf) 2. The Legacy of Mary Kenneth Keller, First U.S. Ph.D. in Computer Science 3. Find a Grave 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. [Source](https://pantheon.world/profile/person/Mary_Kenneth_Keller)