Irene Greif facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irene Greif
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Greif in 2015
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| Alma mater | MIT |
| Occupation | Computer scientist |
| Spouse(s) | Albert R. Meyer |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | University of Washington, MIT |
Irene Greif is an American computer scientist. She is known for helping to create a field called computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW). This field studies how computers can help people work together. Irene Greif was also the first woman to earn a Ph.D. (a very high degree) in computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
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Early Life and Education
Irene Greif grew up in New York City. She went to Hunter College High School. After high school, she studied at MIT. In 1975, she made history by becoming the first woman to get a Ph.D. in computer science from MIT. For her Ph.D. project, she developed an important idea called the "actor model." This model helps explain how different parts of a computer program can work together.
A Career in Computer Science
Irene Greif started her career as a professor at the University of Washington. Later, she returned to MIT to teach electrical engineering and computer science.
Creating CSCW
In 1984, Irene Greif and a colleague named Paul Cashman came up with the term "Computer Supported Cooperative Work," or CSCW. They introduced this idea at a special meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts. CSCW is all about designing computer systems that make it easier for groups of people to collaborate. Think about how you might work on a group project online; CSCW helps make that possible!
Moving to Industry
Irene Greif enjoyed research more than teaching. So, in 1987, she left her professor job to work at a company called Lotus. There, she led the team that designed new products. In 1992, she started the Lotus Research group, which focused on new ideas and technologies.
Later, Lotus was bought by IBM, a very big technology company. Irene Greif became an IBM Fellow, which is a high honor for scientists and engineers at IBM. She worked as a director at IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center. She helped design how people use computer programs together. Irene Greif retired from IBM in 2013.
Awards and Recognition
Irene Greif has received many awards for her important work. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). She is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Some of her awards include:
- Women in Technology International Hall of Fame inductee (2000)
- Women Entrepreneurs in Science and Technology Leadership Award (2008)
- ABIE Award for Technical Leadership from the Anita Borg Institute (2012)
Her achievements are also recognized in the Notable Women in Computing cards.
Personal Life
Irene Greif is married to Albert R. Meyer, who is also a computer science professor at MIT. She has a son and a daughter, and two step-children. She lives in Newton Centre, Massachusetts.
Images for kids
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Irene Greif in 2015
See also
In Spanish: Irene Greif para niños
