Born: 1946 (Santiago de Chile)
Biography:
María Teresa Ruiz (born 24 September 1946) is a Chilean astronomer who has made significant contributions to the field of astrophysics. She is known for being the first woman to receive Chile’s National Prize for Exact Sciences, the first female recipient of a doctorate in astrophysics at Princeton University, and the first woman president of the Chilean Academy of Sciences. Throughout her career, Ruiz has been dedicated to advancing our understanding of the universe and inspiring future generations of scientists.
Ruiz was born in Santiago de Chile in 1946. She initially pursued a program in chemical engineering at the University of Chile, but her true passion for astronomy was ignited when she attended an astronomy summer school. She decided to switch her studies to the newly founded astronomy program at the University of Chile, becoming the first person to graduate from the program in 1971.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Ruiz went on to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics at Princeton University. In 1975, she made history as the first woman to obtain a doctorate in astrophysics from the prestigious institution. Her groundbreaking research during this time laid the foundation for her future contributions to the field.
Throughout her career, Ruiz has held various research positions and has published extensively on topics related to astrophysics. She worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Astronomical Observatory of Trieste in Italy from 1975 to 1976. She then spent two years as a visiting researcher at the Institute of Astronomy of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) from 1977 to 1978. These experiences allowed her to collaborate with international experts and further expand her knowledge in the field.
In addition to her impressive academic achievements, Ruiz has also made significant astronomical discoveries. In 1997, she discovered the brown dwarf Kelu-1, a structure comprised of two brown dwarfs. This discovery was particularly significant as Kelu-1 is one of the first systems of free-floating brown dwarfs ever identified. Located in the constellation Hydra, approximately 61 light years from Earth, Kelu-1 provided valuable insights into the properties and behavior of brown dwarfs. Ruiz’s ability to detect unique features, such as lithium and its distinct red color, reaffirmed her expertise in the field.
Ruiz’s contributions to astrophysics have been widely recognized and celebrated. In 1997, she became the first woman in Chile’s history to receive the country’s National Prize for Exact Sciences. This prestigious award acknowledged her groundbreaking research and marked a significant milestone for women in the field of science. Furthermore, in 2018, she was named one of the top 10 most powerful and influential women in Chile due to her scientific contributions.
Over the course of her career, Ruiz has also dedicated her time and expertise to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists. She has authored two books about astronomy, Desde Chile un cielo estrellado: lecturas para fascinarse con la astronomía (2013) and Hijos de las Estrellas (2017), which aim to inspire and educate readers about the wonders of the universe.
María Teresa Ruiz’s trailblazing career has not only expanded our understanding of astrophysics but has also paved the way for future generations of women in science. Her achievements as an astronomer, educator, and advocate for women in STEM have left an indelible mark on the field and continue to inspire countless individuals to pursue their passions in science.
Awards:
– Chile’s National Prize for Exact Sciences (1997)