Born: 1860 (Bristolville, Ohio)
Died: 1944
Biography:
Margaret Eliza Maltby (10 December 1860 – 3 May 1944) was an American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of physics, especially in the measurement of high electrolytic resistances and conductivity of very dilute solutions. She was a trailblazer in the scientific community and achieved several notable firsts for women in academia.
Maltby’s passion for science began at a young age. Growing up on her family’s farm in Bristolville, Ohio, she was constantly curious about the natural world and would often question how things worked. Encouraged by her parents, Maltby developed a keen interest in mathematics and basic machinery. After her father’s death, the Maltby family moved to Oberlin, Ohio, seeking better educational opportunities.
During her years at Oberlin College, Maltby also explored her love for music, which would become a lifelong passion. She enjoyed classical music and developed a deep understanding of its physics. This interest in the physics of music would later shape her career as a physicist.
Maltby’s academic journey began at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she enrolled as a special student since the institution did not yet accept female students. Despite this obstacle, Maltby excelled in her studies and became the first woman to earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from MIT.
Determined to further her education, Maltby set her sights on obtaining a Ph.D. in physics. She pursued her doctoral studies at the University of Göttingen in Germany, where she became the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in physics from a German university. Under the guidance of renowned physicist Walther Hermann Nernst, Maltby conducted groundbreaking research on high electrolytic resistances.
After completing her doctorate, Maltby returned to the United States and embarked on a long and illustrious career. She joined the faculty of Barnard College, where she eventually became the chair of the Physics department. For over three decades, Maltby dedicated herself to teaching and mentoring aspiring physicists, with a particular focus on advancing her female students’ professional development.
Maltby was not only a brilliant scientist but also a passionate advocate for women in physics. As the chair of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Committee on Fellowships, she used her position to actively support women in pursuing formal education paths in physics. Her efforts opened doors for countless women who aspired to enter the field.
Throughout her career, Maltby actively engaged with the wider scientific community. She presented her research at conferences and published numerous articles in reputable scientific journals. Her work in the measurement of high electrolytic resistances and conductivity of very dilute solutions laid the foundation for further advancements in the field.
Awards:
– (If any official awards or recognitions received by Maltby are available, list them here. Otherwise, omit this section.)