Anna Coble facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Anna Coble
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| Born | 1936 |
| Died | March 3, 2009 (aged 72–73) |
| Education | Physics (1973) |
| Alma mater | Howard University University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign |
Anna Jane Coble-Mullen (born in 1936, died March 3, 2009) was an amazing American scientist called a biophysicist. A biophysicist studies how living things work using the rules of physics. Anna Coble made history by being the first Black woman to get a special science degree called a doctorate in biophysics. She was also the first Black woman hired to teach at Howard University.
Early Life and Learning
Anna Coble was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. From a young age, she was very interested in mathematics and physics. Her father was a teacher at St. Augustine's University.
Anna went to Howard University to study mathematics. She earned her first degree in 1958 and a master's degree in 1961. After finishing her studies, she taught physics for four years at North Carolina A&T State University.
Later, Anna moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign for more advanced studies. While there, she became a strong supporter for minority students and women. She earned her PhD in 1973. For two years, she studied at Washington University in St. Louis. There, she researched how powerful sound waves, called high-intensity ultrasound, affected frogs.
Science Work and Career
After her studies, Anna Coble returned to Howard University. She was the first Black woman ever hired to teach there. One summer, she even spent her time helping 200 Black graduate students find homes. She did this instead of working on her own research. She was later promoted to Associate Professor.
Anna Coble helped create the National Society of Black Physicists. This group supports Black scientists who study physics. She also served on the board of the Ionia Whipper Home. This home was a safe place for teenage girls who needed help.
Anna also helped create learning materials for important groups like the National Academy of Sciences and the National Research Council. She worked with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Association of Physics Teachers. Her goal was to help groups who were not often seen in science, like women and minorities. One special project was the AAAS Black Church Project. This project brought fun, hands-on science activities to young people in the Washington area.
The Gamma Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at Howard University created an award in her honor. This award celebrates faculty service. Anna Coble was the secretary for this chapter for many years.
Personal Life
Anna Coble was married to Kirk P. Mullen. She was the stepdaughter of Cora Coble. She also had three siblings: Mary Lee Coble, Cecil N. Coble, Jr., and Dennis Coble. Anna Coble passed away on March 3, 2009. She is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.
See also
