Brigid Cotter facts for kids

Brigid Mary Cotter was an amazing Irish woman. She was a pioneer in two big careers: chemistry and law! She was born on January 3, 1921, and passed away on November 20, 1978.

Brigid Cotter's Early Life and Learning

Brigid Mary Cotter was born in Roscommon, Ireland, on January 3, 1921. Her parents were Nicholas Patrick Cotter and Bridie O'Brien. Her father worked as the main agricultural officer for the Roscommon area. Brigid had a very large family with eleven younger brothers and sisters!

She went to school at the Convent of Mercy in Roscommon. Later, she studied at the Ursuline Convent in Sligo. After finishing high school, Brigid went to University College, Dublin.

Becoming a Scientist

In 1944, Brigid earned her first degree. She studied both chemistry and mathematics. The very next year, she earned her master's degree. Her special project was about a chemical called epanorin. This chemical comes from a type of plant called Lecanora epanora, which is a lichen.

After she finished her studies, Brigid stayed at the university for a year. She worked as a chemistry demonstrator, helping students learn. She also worked with the Medical Research Council. Her job was to study air pollution in Dublin. Brigid also earned special diplomas in bacteriology (the study of tiny living things) and food technology.

Brigid Cotter's Chemistry Career

From 1947 to 1948, Brigid lived in the United Kingdom. She worked at the Imperial Chemical Industries laboratories in Manchester. There, she studied different types of moulds and fungi. This included important research on penicillin, which is a famous medicine.

When she came back to Ireland, Brigid taught for a short time. She taught at Coláiste Ide in Dingle, County Kerry. After that, she spent ten years working as a chemist. She worked at the state laboratory in Dublin. For four of those years, she was in charge of the section that studied bacteria.

Working for Agriculture

In 1958, Brigid started a new job. She began working for the Department of Agriculture. She became an agricultural inspector. This meant she helped make sure farming was done well and safely. She also became a chief technical officer. Brigid stayed in this important role until she passed away.

Brigid Cotter's Law Career

Even with her busy chemistry work, Brigid decided to study law! She was very dedicated to learning.

Studying Law

She earned her first law degree in 1963. Then, she earned a master's degree in law in 1969. Both of these degrees were from the University of London.

Later, she became a qualified lawyer. She was allowed to practice law in both England and Ireland. She joined the Irish Bar in 1972. Brigid worked on different law committees. She also traveled to other countries. She did this as part of the International Bar Council.

Brigid Cotter's Lasting Impact

Brigid Mary Cotter left a wonderful legacy. She helped future students in a special way.

Supporting Students

Brigid set up three prizes. These prizes are given to law students at the University of London. These students study law from outside the university.

She was also a fellow of the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland. This means she was a respected member of the chemistry community. She was also a member of the Royal Dublin Society. Brigid had an interesting hobby too: she was a very keen bee-keeper!

Brigid Mary Cotter passed away in Dublin on November 20, 1978.