Born: 1924 (Evansville, Indiana)
Died: 2013
Margaret Kampschaefer Butler (March 27, 1924 – March 8, 2013) was a remarkable mathematician who played a significant role in the development and advancement of computer software. Her contributions during the early 1950s greatly impacted the field of computer technology. As the first female fellow at the American Nuclear Society and the director of the National Energy Software Center at Argonne, Butler held prominent leadership positions in both scientific organizations and women’s groups. Her work and achievements left a lasting imprint on society, particularly in the realm of nuclear power.
Born on March 27, 1924, in Evansville, Indiana, Margaret Butler displayed a remarkable aptitude for mathematics from an early age. After graduating from Indiana University Bloomington in 1944, where she studied statistics and differential calculus, Butler embarked on a distinguished career in the field. She initially worked as a statistician at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, where she concurrently taught math at the United States Department of Agriculture Graduate School and pursued graduate courses related to sampling theory.
In 1945, Butler joined the United States Army Air Forces and served as a civilian in Germany for two years. Upon her return to the United States, she began working at the Naval Reactors Division of Argonne National Laboratory as a junior mathematician. At Argonne, Butler made significant contributions to the calculations for the creation of a prototype submarine reactor. She also attended atomic physics and reactor design classes, further enhancing her expertise in the field.
While at Argonne, Butler’s talents and passion for computer technology became evident. In 1949, she briefly worked at the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Minnesota before returning to Argonne. As an assistant mathematician in the Reactor Engineering Division, she played a pivotal role in the development of AVIDAC, an early computer. Over the course of the 1950s, Butler continued to write software, reactor applications, mathematical subroutines, and utilities for other Argonne computers, including ORACLE, GEORGE, and UNIVAC.
In 1959, Butler assumed leadership of Argonne’s Applied Mathematics Division’s Application Programming. Under her guidance, teams were created to address program problems across various fields, including reactors, biology, chemistry, physics, management, and high energy physics applications. In 1960, she played a crucial role in establishing the Argonne Code Center, which later evolved into the National Energy Software Center (NESC). As director of the NESC from 1972 to 1991, Butler oversaw its growth and shaped its mission.
Margaret Butler’s pioneering work gained recognition and earned her numerous accolades. In 1972, she became the first woman to be named a fellow of the American Nuclear Society, following her nomination a year earlier. Her expertise was also sought internationally, as she served as a consultant to the European Nuclear Energy Agency during its inception of a computer program. In 1980, she was promoted to the position of Senior Computer Scientist at Argonne, demonstrating her exceptional skills and dedication to the field.
Butler officially retired in 1991 but remained actively involved in her work. From 1993 to 2006, she continued to contribute as a special term appointee at Argonne. Throughout her career, Butler played a pivotal role in shaping the field of computer software, particularly in the context of nuclear power. Her contributions left a lasting impact on the advancement of technology and established her as a trailblazer for women in computer science and mathematics.
Margaret K. Butler’s dedication, expertise, and groundbreaking work have influenced generations of mathematicians, scientists, and women. Her unique perspective and leadership positions in various scientific organizations and women’s groups demonstrate her commitment to promoting equality and empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Margaret K. Butler’s legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations, ensuring her lasting impact on history.
Awards:
– Fellow of the American Nuclear Society (1972)