Date of Birth: November 11, 1930
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Date of Death: February 20, 2017
Biography
Mildred Dresselhaus, often referred to as the “Queen of Carbon Science,” was an American physicist and electrical engineer whose pioneering work in the field of nanotechnology and carbon science, particularly with materials like graphene and carbon nanotubes, has left an indelible mark on modern science and technology. Born Mildred Spiewak on November 11, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York City, she pursued her education fervently, earning a bachelor’s degree from Hunter College in 1951, a master’s degree from Radcliffe College in 1953, and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1958 under the guidance of Nobel laureate Enrico Fermi. Dresselhaus’s career was marked by her tenure at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she became the first female Institute Professor, the highest academic rank at the institution. Her research has significantly advanced the understanding of the electronic properties of materials, leading to numerous applications in electronics, materials science, and energy. She was also a dedicated advocate for women in science, mentoring countless students and promoting gender equality in STEM fields. Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Kavli Prize in Nanoscience. Her contributions have not only expanded the frontiers of science but also inspired a generation of scientists.
5 Interesting Facts about Mildred Dresselhaus
1. Mildred Dresselhaus was the first female Institute Professor at MIT, a position of the highest academic distinction.
2. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, the USA’s highest civilian honor.
3. Dresselhaus played a crucial role in the development of carbon-based materials, which are fundamental to nanotechnology.
4. She was a passionate advocate for women in science, working tirelessly to support female students and colleagues.
5. Mildred Dresselhaus has had a significant impact on the field of thermoelectricity, contributing to advancements in energy conversion technologies.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mildred Dresselhaus
1. “I don’t mind being called the ‘Queen of Carbon Science.’ There are worse things to be called.”
2. “It’s important to teach students to think critically and independently, to be innovative in their thinking.”
3. “Science is not just a job. It’s a way of life. It’s what you do and what you are.”
4. “I always tell my students, if you want to do something, just get started. Don’t wait.”
5. “I believe that the more women we have in science, the better the science will be.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Mildred Dresselhaus’s net worth was estimated to be in the range of $1 million, primarily accumulated through her academic positions, consulting roles, and speaking engagements.
Children
Mildred Dresselhaus was married to Gene Dresselhaus, a fellow physicist. Together, they had four children: Marianne, Carl, Paul, and Eliot, all of whom have pursued successful careers in various fields.
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