Sally McKee, who coined the term "the memory wall", has died
Sally A. McKee, a prominent computer science professor known for coining the term 'the Memory Wall,' died on February 12, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 61. She had a distinguished academic and research career, holding positions at institutions including Clemson University, Cornell University, and Chalmers University of Technology, with significant contributions to computer architecture and cybersecurity. McKee was widely admired for her mentorship, humor, and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues, students, and friends.
- ▪Sally A. McKee passed away on February 12, 2025, in Greenville, S.C., at the age of 61 after a short illness.
- ▪She earned her Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Virginia and held degrees from Yale and Princeton.
- ▪McKee coined the widely recognized term 'the Memory Wall' in a 1994 co-authored paper on computer memory limitations.
- ▪She held academic positions at Cornell University, the University of Utah, Chalmers University of Technology, and Clemson University, where she was the C. Tycho Howle Chair.
- ▪McKee was known for mentoring graduate students, especially women in computer science, and was remembered for her warmth, humor, and culinary talents.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Sally Anne McKee JunJune 11th, 1963 • FebFebruary 12th, 2025 Sally Anne McKee Obituary Text box Text box Timeline Gallery Videos Memory wall Family tree Favorites Service Donate Obituary Sally A. McKee, 61, a renowned computer science professor and beloved friend, passedaway Feb. 12 in Greenville, S.C., after a short illness.She received her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, master’s degree from PrincetonUniversity and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, all in computer science. She worked for Digital Equipment Corporation and Microsoft Corporation and heldinternships at Digital Equipment Corporation’s Systems Research Center (now HP Labs) andthe former AT&T Bell Laboratories.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Online-tribute.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Online-tribute
