Born: 1930 (Brooklyn, New York City)
Died: 2017
Biography:
Mildred Dresselhaus (née Spiewak; November 11, 1930 – February 20, 2017), known as the Queen of Carbon Science, was an American physicist, materials scientist, and nanotechnologist. She made significant contributions to the understanding of the properties of carbon and its potential applications in various fields. With a remarkable career spanning over six decades, she became a trailblazer for women in science and a celebrated figure in the scientific community.
Dresselhaus was born on November 11, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York City, to Ethel and Meyer Spiewak, Polish Jewish immigrants. Growing up during the Great Depression, her family struggled financially, and Dresselhaus learned the value of hard work from a young age. To support her family, she took on piecework assembly tasks at home and worked in a zipper factory during the summers. Despite the challenging circumstances, Dresselhaus’ passion for learning and curiosity thrived.
Her interest in science was sparked by visits to New York’s free museums, such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These experiences opened her mind to the wonders of the natural world and ignited her scientific curiosity. Dresselhaus also attended the Greenwich House Music School on a scholarship, which exposed her to a world of artistic and intellectual pursuits.
Dresselhaus attended Hunter College in New York, where she excelled academically. During her time there, the college began admitting male G.I. Bill beneficiaries, creating a diverse student body. Despite the prevailing gender biases of the time, Dresselhaus proved that women were just as capable as men in the field of science. One of her professors, Rosalyn Yalow, a future Nobel Prize winner, recognized Dresselhaus’ potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in physics. This support had a profound impact on her, shaping her future path in science.
After graduating from Hunter College with her undergraduate degree in liberal arts in 1951, Dresselhaus continued her education at the University of Cambridge on a Fulbright Fellowship. She then obtained her MA from Radcliffe College and went on to earn a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1958.
Throughout her illustrious career, Dresselhaus delved deep into the field of carbon science. She focused on the electronic structure of carbon and its various forms, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes. Her groundbreaking research provided insights into the fundamental properties of carbon materials and their potential applications in semiconductors, thermoelectricity, and energy storage.
Dresselhaus joined the faculty at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1967 and became an Institute Professor, a prestigious position reserved for the most distinguished faculty members. She also held appointments in both the physics and electrical engineering departments, further cementing her interdisciplinary expertise. At MIT, Dresselhaus mentored countless students and colleagues, inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers.
Apart from her academic achievements, Dresselhaus held numerous leadership roles in scientific organizations. She served as the President of the American Physical Society, Chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and as the Director of Science in the US Department of Energy during the Bill Clinton administration.
Dresselhaus received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to science and society. Some of her most significant honors include the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, the Enrico Fermi Award, the Kavli Prize, and the Vannevar Bush Award. These accolades highlight her exceptional contributions to the scientific community and her tireless efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields.
Mildred Dresselhaus, the Queen of Carbon Science, left an indelible mark on the scientific community and society as a whole. Her groundbreaking research, leadership, and commitment to advancing women in science paved the way for future generations of scientists and changed the landscape of materials science and nanotechnology. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate aspiring scientists worldwide.
Awards:
– Presidential Medal of Freedom
– National Medal of Science
– Enrico Fermi Award
– Kavli Prize
– Vannevar Bush Award