Betty Harris (scientist) facts for kids

Betty Wright Harris, born on July 29, 1940, is an American chemist. She is famous for her work with explosives at Los Alamos National Laboratory. She even invented a special test. This test helps find certain explosives, like TATB, in different places. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security uses her test to check for these explosives.

Early Life and Schooling

Betty Harris was born on July 29, 1940, in Monroe, Louisiana. She grew up on a farm with her 11 brothers and sisters. Her parents were Henry Hudson "Jake" and Legertha Evelyn Thompson Wright.

She went to Union Central High School. At just 16 years old, she started college at Southern University. By age 19, she earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). This degree was in chemistry, with a side focus on mathematics.

After that, she went to Atlanta University for her master's degree (M.S.). Later, she taught chemistry and math. She was an assistant professor at several universities. These included Mississippi Valley State University and Colorado College.

In 1975, she earned her PhD in chemistry. She got this advanced degree from the University of New Mexico. Her PhD research was about how certain chemicals react.

Her Work as a Chemist

After getting her PhD, Dr. Harris continued teaching. She taught chemistry and math at Mississippi Valley State University and Southern University. Later, she moved to work at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This is a very important research lab.

At LANL, she worked on many interesting projects. She studied how to treat dangerous waste. She also worked on cleaning up the environment. A big part of her job was studying explosives. She focused on how to find explosives. She also worked on making them safer. She even studied how old explosives change over time.

Besides her research, Dr. Harris also helped young people. She worked with the Girl Scouts. She helped them create a special badge about chemistry. This encouraged young girls to learn about science.

For a short time, Dr. Harris left LANL. She became the chief of chemical technology at Solar Turbine Inc. There, she managed labs. She also looked into why some engine parts rusted. This rust was caused by acid and soot.

For the last 11 years of her career, she worked for the U.S. Department of Energy. She was a certified document reviewer. This meant she checked important papers.

Awards and Groups

Dr. Betty Harris has received special honors for her work. She got the New Mexico Governor's Trailblazer Award. The National Academy of Sciences also recognized her. They called her a distinguished African American Scientist.

She is a member of several important groups. These include Women in Science and Engineering. She is also part of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She even led the New Mexico Business and Professional Women's Organization. For over 50 years, she has been a member of the American Chemical Society.

Her Life Today

Dr. Harris lives in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She has three children.

Her Invention

Dr. Harris holds a special patent. A patent is like a legal document. It protects an invention. It means no one else can make or sell it without permission. Her patent is for a "spot test." This test helps find a specific explosive called TATB.

• Harris, U.S. Patent 4,618,452 , "Spot test for 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene, TATB"