Sister Mary Kenneth Keller (born Evelyn Marie Keller, December 17, 1913 – January 10, 1985) was a pioneering American Catholic nun, educator, and computer scientist.She became the first woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D.in computer science in 1965 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Her work on algorithms for analytic differentiation and contributions to the development of BASIC (Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) revolutionized early computing accessibility.

Keller's journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from DePaul University in 1943, followed by advanced studies at Purdue, Michigan, and Dartmouth, where she collaborated with John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz.After earning her doctorate, she founded Clarke College’s computer science department in 1965, advocating for educational equity through technology.

Her legacy includes mentoring students, authoring textbooks on BASIC, and breaking barriers for women in STEM during an era of significant societal constraints.Keller’s life exemplifies the intersection of faith, education, and innovation, paving the way for greater diversity in computer science.