Anneke Levelt Sengers facts for kids

Anneke Levelt Sengers (born Johanna Maria Henrica Levelt Sengers; March 4, 1929 – February 28, 2024) was a famous Dutch physicist. She was known for her important work on how fluids behave at their critical states. This is a special point where liquids and gases become very similar.

She worked for 31 years at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the United States, retiring in 1994. Anneke Levelt Sengers also helped lead a report called 'Women for Science' in 2006. This report looked at how to support women in science around the world.

Early Life and Career Path

Anneke Levelt Sengers was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on March 4, 1929. She studied physics and chemistry at the University of Amsterdam. In 1950, she earned her first degree, called a "candidaats."

She continued her studies and received her Ph.D. from the same university in 1958. Her big research paper, or dissertation, was about measuring how much argon gas and liquid could be compressed.

In 1963, she moved to the United States. She joined the National Bureau of Standards, which later became known as NIST.

Awards and Special Honors

Anneke Levelt Sengers received many awards and honors for her work. In 1990, she became a special member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. This is a very respected group in her home country.

In 1992, Delft University of Technology gave her an honorary doctorate. This means they recognized her great achievements. She was also a "fellow" of several important scientific groups. These included the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Physical Society. Being a fellow means you are a highly respected member.

She was also a member of the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences. These are top honors for scientists and engineers in the U.S.

In 2003, she won the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science. This award celebrates women scientists from different parts of the world. She also won the ASME Yeram S. Touloukian Award in 2006. In 2015, a special award for young women scientists was named after her. It is called the Anneke Levelt-Senger Prize.

Family Life

Anneke Levelt Sengers was married to another physicist, Jan V. Sengers. They had four children together. One of their children, Phoebe Sengers, became a computer scientist.

Anneke Levelt Sengers passed away on February 28, 2024. She was almost 95 years old.