Born: 1936 (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Died: 2009
Biography:
Anna Jane Coble-Mullen (1936 – March 3, 2009) was an American biophysicist who made significant contributions to her field. She became a trailblazer as the first black woman to earn a doctorate in biophysics and was also the first black woman to be hired at Howard University. Coble’s life was marked by her dedication to education, her advocacy for underrepresented groups in science, and her commitment to advancing women’s history.
Coble was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she developed an early interest in mathematics and physics. Her father, a teacher at St. Augustine’s University, played a crucial role in nurturing her passion for learning. After completing her secondary education, Coble pursued her studies at Howard University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in 1958 and a master’s degree in 1961.
Following her graduate studies, Coble taught physics at North Carolina A&T State University for four years, imparting her knowledge and inspiring young minds. However, her ambition to further her education led her to the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, where she pursued her postgraduate studies. It was during this time that she developed a reputation as an advocate for minority students and women, advocating for their equal access to opportunities in the sciences.
In 1973, Coble achieved a significant milestone by completing her Ph.D. in biophysics under the mentorship of Floyd Dunn. Her research during this time centered around studying the impact of high-intensity ultrasound on frogs, showcasing her dedication to understanding the intricacies of the field. She then returned to Howard University, where she became the first black woman to be hired as faculty. Her commitment to her students extended beyond the lecture halls, evident in her efforts to find housing for 200 black graduate students during a summer, sacrificing her own research.
During her tenure at Howard University, Coble faced challenges when federal research grants were drastically cut by 30 – 40%. Despite these setbacks, she persevered and became an influential member of the faculty, ultimately achieving the position of Associate Professor. Coble’s impact extended beyond the campus as she became an instrumental figure in the formation of the National Society of Black Physicists. Additionally, she served on the board of the Ionia Whipper Home, a shelter for neglected teenage girls.
Coble’s passion for education was further exemplified through her work developing educational resources for prestigious institutions such as the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council. She collaborated with organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Association of Physics Teachers to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the field of science. One of her notable projects, the AAAS Black Church Project, aimed to bring hands-on science experiences to young people in the Washington Area.
The impact of Coble’s contributions was recognized and honored during her lifetime. The Gamma Chapter of the District of Columbia of Phi Beta Kappa at Howard University established a Faculty Service Award in her honor, acknowledging her decades-long dedication to the chapter as its secretary. Coble’s commitment to breaking barriers and advancing women’s history has left a lasting legacy in the field of biophysics and beyond.
Personal life:
Anna Coble was married to Kirk P. Mullen and had three siblings: Mary Lee Coble, Cecil N. Coble, Jr., and Dennis Coble. Her stepmother, Cora Coble, also played a significant role in her life. Sadly, Coble passed away on March 3, 2009, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiring future generations of scientists.
Awards:
– Faculty Service Award from the Gamma Chapter of the District of Columbia of Phi Beta Kappa at Howard University, in recognition of her dedicated service as the Chapter Secretary.