Born: 1912 (Edmonton, Alberta)
Died: 2000
Biography:
Josephine Margaret Mitchell (June 30, 1912 – December 28, 2000) was a Canadian-American mathematician specializing in the mathematical analysis of functions of several complex variables. Born on June 30, 1912, in Edmonton, Alberta, Mitchell began her journey towards a remarkable career in mathematics. She graduated from the University of Alberta in 1934 and proceeded to pursue graduate study at Bryn Mawr College, where she earned a master’s degree in 1941. Mitchell continued her academic pursuit and completed her Ph.D. in 1942, with her dissertation titled On Double Sturm-Liouville Series, under the supervision of renowned mathematician Hilda Geiringer.
Throughout her career, Mitchell faced numerous challenges due to prevailing discrimination against women in academia. The pinnacle of this discrimination occurred when she married Lowell Schoenfeld, a younger mathematician who was then an assistant professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Due to the anti-nepotism rules enforced by the university, Mitchell’s tenured position was revoked while Schoenfeld’s untenured position remained intact. This notable case of discrimination against women in academia highlighted the pervasive gender bias faced by female academics during the mid-20th century. Despite the distressing circumstances, Mitchell never wavered in her determination to contribute to the field of mathematics.
In her quest for justice, Mitchell appealed to the American Association of University Professors and the American Association of University Women. Unfortunately, her pleas were unsuccessful, and both Mitchell and Schoenfeld ultimately resigned from the university in protest. Even the American Mathematical Society demonstrated its discriminatory practices when it refused to allow Mitchell and Schoenfeld to share accommodations at a conference solely because they used different surnames.
Undeterred, Mitchell pursued various teaching and research positions while grappling with her personal and professional life. She spent a year as a Marion Talbot Fellow of the American Association of University Women at the Institute for Advanced Study, where she continued her research efforts. Mitchell also worked as a researcher at General Electric Company and the Westinghouse Research Laboratory in Pittsburgh, contributing to the advancement of mathematical analysis. Later, she became an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh, further cementing her expertise and reputation.
Mitchell’s perseverance and dedication led her and her husband to obtain positions at Pennsylvania State University in 1958. Remarkably, Penn State capitalized on the post-war availability of highly qualified women in the academic job market, employing many talented female faculty members to strengthen its reputation. Both Mitchell and Schoenfeld were promoted to full professors in 1961, affirming their exceptional contributions to the mathematical field.
In 1968, Mitchell and her husband relocated to the University at Buffalo, where she continued her academic pursuits until her retirement in 1982. Throughout her career, Mitchell’s accomplishments extended beyond her research in mathematics. She demonstrated a passion for wildflower photography, capturing the beauty of nature through her lens. Additionally, Mitchell was strongly committed to preserving mathematical libraries, recognizing their importance in advancing the field.
Josephine M. Mitchell’s contributions to the mathematical analysis of functions of complex variables and her perseverance in the face of discrimination mark her as an influential figure in academia and women’s history. Her dedication to her research, combined with her unwavering spirit, serve as an inspiration to present and future generations of mathematicians.