Born: October 5, 1899 (Green Lake, Wisconsin)
Died: April 17, 1961
Biography:
Elda Emma Anderson (October 5, 1899 – April 17, 1961) was an American physicist and health researcher. She made significant contributions to the field of nuclear physics during her time working on the Manhattan Project and at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Anderson’s dedication to research and her pioneering work in preparing the first sample of pure uranium-235 at the laboratory played a crucial role in the development of atomic energy.
Born in Green Lake, Wisconsin, on October 5, 1899, Elda Emma Anderson was the daughter of Edwin A. Anderson and Lena Heller. She grew up in a supportive family environment where her intellectual curiosity was nurtured. Although initially interested in becoming a kindergarten teacher, her passion for science was ignited by her older sister, who was an assistant chemistry instructor. Encouraged by her family, Anderson pursued her academic goals with determination.
Anderson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Ripon College in 1922. She then went on to earn her Master of Arts in physics from the University of Wisconsin in 1924. After completing her studies, Anderson taught at Estherville Junior College in Iowa from 1924 to 1927, where she served as the dean of physics, chemistry, and mathematics. In 1929, she joined the faculty of Milwaukee-Downer College, an elite women’s college later merged with Lawrence University. Anderson quickly rose through the ranks and became the head of the physics department in 1934.
In 1941, Anderson completed her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin, focusing her research on Low energy levels in the atomic spectra Co VII and Ni VIII. Shortly after finishing her doctorate, Anderson took a leave of absence from Milwaukee-Downer College to join the war effort. She joined the Office of Scientific Research and Development at Princeton University, where she worked on projects related to the Manhattan Project. Recognizing her exceptional abilities, she was soon recruited to work at the Los Alamos Laboratory.
At Los Alamos, Anderson played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of fission parameters and the behavior of neutrons. She dedicated long hours to her research, often working sixteen-hour days. One of her most significant achievements was the preparation of the first sample of pure uranium-235 at the laboratory. This milestone was an essential step toward harnessing the power of atomic energy.
Despite being older than most of her colleagues, with her maturity and expertise, Anderson was put in charge of a dormitory at Los Alamos. She fostered a sense of community among the residents and ensured a smooth work environment. Her leadership skills and dedication earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
After the war, Anderson’s interests shifted towards health physics. She joined the Health Physics Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she continued her research on radiation and its effects on human health. Recognizing the need for standardized certification in the field of health physics, Anderson played a decisive role in establishing the American Board of Health Physics, which became the professional certification agency for health physicists.
Elda Emma Anderson’s contributions to physics and health research were groundbreaking. Her work on the Manhattan Project and at Los Alamos National Laboratory advanced our understanding of nuclear physics and shaped the future of atomic energy. Anderson’s commitment to scientific inquiry and her pioneering spirit opened doors for future generations of women in the field of physics.