• Augustine Pamplany CST

Mary Kenneth Keller (1913–1985) is a pioneering figure in computer science. She made significant contributions to computer science, particularly in the early development of programming languages and computer education. As the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in computer science (1965, University of Wisconsin-Madison), she focused her research on algorithms and the development of the BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) programming language. BASIC made computing more accessible, enabling students and non-specialists to write programs without advanced knowledge of machine code.

Keller was instrumental in integrating computers into education. As the founder of the computer science department at Clarke College (now Clarke University) in Iowa, she developed curricula that introduced computing to a broad range of students, including women and underserved communities. She believed that widespread computer literacy was essential for societal progress and promoted the ethical use of technology. Her legacy lies in her pioneering advocacy for democratizing technology, her role in making programming user-friendly, and her vision of computing as a tool for education and social good.

Keller was a Catholic nun and a member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Keller’s religious life informed her ethical views on the use of technology. She often spoke about the moral implications of computing, warning that technology without ethical grounding could become dehumanizing. She stated: “The computer is not the problem. It is how we use it that matters.”

“We’re not here to make money. We’re here to make a contribution.” This perspective encapsulates her conviction that science, especially computing, should serve humanity, aligning with her religious ideals of compassion and service. For Keller, the power of computing technology was a divine gift that could enhance education, reduce human suffering, and foster greater equity.

Keller’s contribution to education exemplified her commitment to using science for the common good. She advocated for widespread computer literacy, particularly among underrepresented groups, such as women and the economically disadvantaged. Her religious convictions inspired her belief in the dignity and potential of every individual, and she saw education as a means of fulfilling that divine potential. She remarked: “We have to prepare everyone—not just a few—for the age of information.” It reflects her foresight about the transformative impact of technology on society and her belief in its capacity to create a more just and equitable world when guided by ethical and spiritual principles.

Keller’s understanding of God and her approach to scientific work were interconnected. She viewed the pursuit of knowledge as a form of worship and discovery, revealing more about God’s creation. Her believed that human ingenuity and divine inspiration were intertwined. It led her to embrace computing as a tool for realizing God’s will on Earth. In her teaching and writings, Keller stressed the importance of collaboration between the scientific and religious communities, advocating for mutual respect and dialogue.