Born: August 2, 1902 (Cleveland, Ohio)
Biography:
Mina Rees was an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics and education. Born on August 2, 1902, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of Moses and Alice Louise Rees. The family later moved to New York City, where Mina received her primary education in the city’s public schools.
Rees showed exceptional talent in mathematics from a young age. She attended Hunter College High School in New York City, where she graduated as valedictorian. In 1923, she graduated summa cum laude with a major in mathematics from Hunter College. Rees then pursued further studies at Columbia University, where she received a master’s degree in mathematics in 1925. While studying at Columbia, she also explored the field of law.
Despite her academic achievements, Rees faced discrimination and bias as a woman pursuing a career in mathematics. She was informally informed that the Columbia mathematics department was not interested in having women candidates for Ph.D.’s. Undeterred, she took a sabbatical from teaching at Hunter College and pursued a doctorate at the University of Chicago in 1929. Under the guidance of her advisor Leonard Dickson, Rees completed her doctorate in 1931.
Rees’s doctoral dissertation titled Division algebras associated with an equation whose group has four generators was published in the American Journal of Mathematics in January 1932. Her research focused on abstract algebra, a field that dealt with the algebraic structures and their properties. Rees’s work showcased her analytical thinking and her ability to solve complex mathematical problems.
Throughout her career, Rees held various academic positions and made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. From 1925 to 1932, she worked as an instructor at Hunter College, later becoming an assistant professor in 1932. During World War II, Rees joined the Applied Mathematics Panel at the Office of Scientific Research and Development as a Technical Aide/Executive Assistant. Her expertise in mathematics played a crucial role in supporting the war effort.
In 1945, Rees was appointed as the head of the Mathematics branch at the Office of Naval Research. She continued to make significant contributions in this role, helping establish funding streams and institutional infrastructure for research in mathematics. Rees also served as the Deputy Science Director for the Office of Naval Research in 1952-1953.
Rees’s dedication to education and academia led her to become the Dean of Faculty at Hunter College from 1953 to 1961. She then became a full professor and the First Dean of Graduate Studies at the City University of New York (CUNY) from 1961 to 1967. In 1969, Rees became the founding president of the Graduate School and University Center at CUNY. Her leadership and commitment to advancing higher education made her a prominent figure in academia.
In addition to her academic achievements, Rees played a significant role in advancing the status of women in mathematics and science. In 1971, she became the first female President of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Rees’s presidency marked a milestone in women’s history and served as an inspiration to aspiring female scientists and mathematicians.
Rees’s contributions and leadership in the field of mathematics were recognized with numerous awards and honors. She received the Public Welfare Medal, the highest honor of the National Academy of Sciences, for her profound impact on academia and research. Rees was also awarded the King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she received at least 18 honorary doctorates in recognition of her significant contributions to the field of mathematics.
Mina Rees’s legacy extends beyond her academic achievements. She was a pioneer in the history of computing and played a crucial role in establishing funding and infrastructure for research. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for mathematics continue to inspire generations of mathematicians, especially women.
Awards:
– Public Welfare Medal, National Academy of Sciences
– King’s Medal for Service in the Cause of Freedom (UK)
– At least 18 honorary doctorates