Born: 1947 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Biography:
Lee Anne Willson (born 1947) is an American astronomer who has made significant contributions to the field of variable stars. From her early fascination with space to her groundbreaking research on Mira stars, Willson’s journey in astronomy has been marked by determination and a passion for understanding the cosmos.
Born on March 14, 1947, in Honolulu, Hawaii, Lee Anne Willson (nee Mordy) exhibited an interest in science from a young age. Growing up as the daughter of a scientist, she devoured science fiction books and dreamed of exploring the universe as an astronaut. However, she soon realized the impracticality of this dream due to her poor vision, a crooked knee, and societal limitations placed on women during that time. Determined not to abandon her love for space, Willson set her sights on becoming an astronomer.
She pursued her undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1968. During her time at Harvard, Willson encountered the hurdles faced by many women in male-dominated fields. Undeterred, she displayed a strong resolve when a professor discouraged her from enrolling in an advanced physics course due to her gender. Refusing to be limited by societal expectations, she defiantly declared, I’ll see you in class on Monday.
In 1968, Willson embarked on a scholarship program and studied in Stockholm as a Fulbright and American-Scandinavian Foundation scholar. This experience broadened her horizons and deepened her understanding of astronomy. She then pursued her graduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning a master’s degree in astronomy in 1970 and a PhD in astronomy in 1973. During her time at Michigan, Willson delved into the study of Mira variables, a type of pulsating star.
After completing her doctorate, Lee Anne Willson joined the faculty at Iowa State University in 1973. However, her tenure-track position faced skepticism from some department members who assumed she chose her career path to accompany her husband. Undeterred, Willson was determined to prove her capabilities and enhance the astronomy program at Iowa State. She collaborated with scientist Steven Hill, and together they formulated a groundbreaking theory about the pulsation patterns of Mira stars, challenging existing beliefs. Though initially met with resistance, their theory eventually gained acceptance within the scientific community.
Throughout her career, Willson has held various academic positions, contributing to the advancement of astronomical knowledge. She served as a visiting fellow at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics in 1985 and a visiting astronomer at Cambridge University in 2007. Additionally, she held visiting professorships at Uppsala University, the University of Minnesota, and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian.
Beyond her research contributions, Lee Anne Willson has actively participated in scientific organizations. She spent nearly 20 years with the American Astronomical Society, serving on the council from 1993 to 1996, the publication board from 2006 to 2010, and as vice president from 2009 to 2012. Willson also held significant roles within the American Association of Variable Star Observers (AAVSO), serving as a council member for four terms, senior vice president for two terms, and president for two years.
With her research and devotion to scientific organizations, Lee Anne Willson has made a profound impact on the field of astronomy. Her contributions to the understanding of variable stars, particularly Mira variables, have expanded our knowledge of stellar evolution and pulsation. Willson’s perseverance, determination, and commitment to her passion serve as an inspiration to aspiring scientists and contribute to the annals of women’s history in astronomy.