Mathematician and Computer Scientist Grace Hopper: A STEM Trailblazer

Grace Hopper was a mathematician and computer scientist who was a pioneer in the field of computer science. She was one of the developers of the first compiler for a computer programming language and she also helped to develop the COBOL programming language. Hopper was also a strong advocate for women in STEM fields.

Early Life and Education

Grace Hopper was born in New York City in 1906. She was the eldest of three children. Her father was a patent attorney and her mother was a homemaker. Hopper was a brilliant student and she excelled in mathematics and science. She attended Vassar College, where she majored in mathematics and physics. After graduating from Vassar, Hopper worked as a mathematician at Yale University.

Mathematician and Computer Scientist Grace Hopper (STEM Trailblazer Bios)

by Andrea Pelleschi

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13939 KB
Print length	:	32 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

World War II and the Mark I Computer

In 1943, Hopper joined the U.S. Navy Reserve. She was assigned to the Bureau of Ordnance Computation Project at Harvard University. There, she worked on the Mark I computer, one of the first programmable computers. Hopper was responsible for developing the first compiler for the Mark I computer. A compiler is a program that translates a high-level programming language into a low-level language that the computer can understand.

COBOL and UNIVAC

After the war, Hopper worked at the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation. There, she helped to develop the Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC). The UNIVAC was one of the first commercial computers. Hopper also helped to develop the COBOL programming language. COBOL is a high-level programming language that is used for business applications.

Later Career and Legacy

Hopper retired from the Navy in 1966 with the rank of captain. She continued to work in the field of computer science as a consultant and a lecturer. Hopper was a strong advocate for women in STEM fields. She served on the board of directors of the Society of Women Engineers and she was a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Grace Hopper died in 1992. She was 85 years old. She is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of computer science. Her work helped to lay the foundation for the modern computer industry.

Grace Hopper was a brilliant mathematician and computer scientist who was a pioneer in the field of computer science. Her work helped to lay the foundation for the modern computer industry. She was also a strong advocate for women in STEM fields. Hopper is an inspiration to all who are interested in pursuing a career in computer science.

Mathematician and Computer Scientist Grace Hopper (STEM Trailblazer Bios)

by Andrea Pelleschi

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	13939 KB
Print length	:	32 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE