American Mathematician
1906–1992

A mathematician and computer programmer, Grace Murphy Hopper worked extensively with computers—including the Mark I, II, and III— throughout her career. She joined the U.S. Naval Reserves, distinguishing herself by working with computer languages as well as by becoming one of the first female rear admirals in history. Remembered for her work with Common Business Oriented Language (COBOL), she is also credited with coining the term "computer bug."

Born in New York City on December 9, 1906, Hopper was the eldest of three children. Early in life, she expressed an interest in how devices work and began taking apart various alarm clocks. Hopper's parents believed that girls should be encouraged to learn and should have the same educational opportunities as boys, a unusual position to take in the early 1900s. Her father instilled the belief that Hopper could do anything she determined...