Winifred Asprey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Winifred Asprey
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| Born | April 8, 1917 |
| Died | October 19, 2007 (aged 90) |
| Alma mater | Vassar College University of Iowa |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Mathematics, computer science |
| Doctoral advisor | Edward Wilson Chittenden |
| Influences | Grace Hopper |
Winifred "Tim" Alice Asprey (born April 8, 1917 – died October 19, 2007) was an American mathematician and computer scientist. She was a pioneer in the world of computers. She helped create the first computer science lab at Vassar College. This lab was made possible by her strong connection with IBM.
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Early Life and Family
Winifred Asprey was born in Sioux City, Iowa. Her parents were Gladys Brown Asprey and Peter Asprey Jr. Her mother had also attended Vassar College.
Winifred had two younger brothers. One was Larned B. Asprey, a chemist. The other was Robert B. Asprey, a military historian and writer. Robert even dedicated some of his books to his sister Winifred.
Education and Early Career
Winifred Asprey went to Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York. She earned her first degree there in 1938. While studying, she met Grace Hopper, who was teaching math at Vassar. Grace Hopper later became known as the "First Lady of Computing."
After college, Asprey taught at private schools in New York City and Chicago. She then continued her studies at the University of Iowa. She earned her master's degree in 1942 and her PhD in 1945. Her main teacher for her PhD was Edward Wilson Chittenden, a topologist.
Bringing Computers to Vassar
After finishing her studies, Asprey returned to Vassar College as a professor. By this time, Grace Hopper was working on the UNIVAC computer project. Asprey became very interested in computers. She visited Hopper to learn about how computers were built and how they worked.
Asprey strongly believed that learning about computers would be important for students. She thought computers should be a key part of a good education.
Building a Computer Science Program
Winifred Asprey taught math and computer science at Vassar for 38 years. She was also the head of the math department from 1957 until she retired in 1982.
She started the very first computer science courses at Vassar. The first class was taught in 1963. She also worked hard to get money for the college's first computer. In 1967, Vassar became only the second college in the country to get an IBM System/360 computer.
Asprey made connections with researchers at IBM and other places. She worked to make computer science a big part of Vassar College. Because of all her efforts, the computer center she started was renamed the Asprey Advanced Computation Laboratory in 1989.
See also
In Spanish: Winifred Asprey para niños
Images for kids
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Winifred Asprey, a pioneer in computer science.
