Harriet Brooks was a brilliant scholar in the field of radioactivity—before she suddenly had to quit.
: Female researchers consistently reported a greater inability to concentrate on research and more unanticipated child care responsibilities than their male colleagues. These gendered effects are likely to have a long-term impact on female physicists’ career arcs, as consistent publication is a big factor for future employment and earning tenure, awards, and promotions.
It is all too easy even for women who have made meaningful contributions to science to be sidelined. It’s been happening for a very long time. Brooks’ stymied career and forgotten legacy serves as a good example. Born in Exeter, Canada, in 1876, Brooks was the first Canadian nuclear physicist and the first woman to receive a master’s degree from McGill University . She was Rutherford’s first graduate student at McGill. There, she resolved one of the most perplexing problems of early 20century chemistry when she discovered that radioactive heavy elements release an entirely different element as they decay.
. This discovery demonstrated that radioactive elements transform to other elements, a fact that is core to the modern conception of radioactivity. To put it simply, Brooks’ contributions stand at the foundation of contemporary nuclear science.Brooks authored research papers by herself and with Rutherford. He vividly cited her work and gave her credit in his later publications and lectures, but Brooks’ contributions to physics have largely gone unnoticed.
. Brooks was only inducted into the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame in 2002, almost 70 years after her death.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ask Amy: A writer shares, but her reader refusesIn today's Ask Amy, a writer is looking for a response.
Read more »
Troy students weigh in on Biden's upcoming visit to Alabama missile factoryTroy University political science professors who are studying the Ukraine crisis this spring weigh in on President Joe Biden's visit next week to Pike County.
Read more »
Your dog’s personality may have little to do with its breedA new study has found that many of the popular stereotypes about the behavior of dogs aren’t supported by science.
Read more »
Beauty Bar: Bella Aura Multi Wrinkle MinimizerA facial serum from the Ontario\u002Dbased, science\u002Dbacked skincare brand Bella Aura.
Read more »
Day Trips: Bay Education Center, RockportDAY TRIPS: The science center in Rockport gives a view of the coast that landlubbers rarely see.
Read more »
How virtual meetings can limit creative ideasThis week on the Nature Podcast: How virtual meetings can limit creative ideas
Read more »