Derrick Crothers facts for kids
Derrick Samuel Frederick Crothers was a smart person from Northern Ireland. He was born in Belfast on June 24, 1942, and passed away on January 15, 2021. He was a mathematician, a physicist, and even a politician for a while.
Growing Up and Learning
Derrick Crothers grew up in a town called Cookstown in Tyrone from when he was seven years old. He went to Rainey Endowed School. He was very good at school! In 1959, he won a special prize for being the best in mathematics and science in the whole country.
After high school, Derrick went to Balliol College, which is part of Oxford University. He studied mathematics there. Later, in 1966, he earned his highest degree, a doctorate, from Queen's University Belfast (QUB). His research was about how tiny particles called atoms interact when they collide.
A Life in Science
After getting his doctorate, Derrick Crothers became a teacher at Queen's University Belfast. He also did important research at University College London. He even helped students learn through the Open University.
His hard work was recognized! He became a Fellow of the Institute of Physics. This means he was a respected member of a group for physicists.
In 1985, Derrick became a top professor at QUB in theoretical physics. This is a special area of physics that uses math to understand how the universe works.
He received more honors for his scientific work. In 1991, he became a Member of the Royal Irish Academy. Then, in 1994, he was chosen as a Fellow of the American Physical Society.
Derrick Crothers retired in 2007. During his time at QUB, he helped more than 30 students get their PhDs. He guided them in their own research.
Time in Politics
Derrick Crothers also spent some time in politics. In 1973, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly. He represented the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland in the South Antrim area. He received a lot of votes from people who supported him.
He did not run for election in later assemblies. However, he did try to become a council member for the Lower Falls area of Belfast City Council in 1989. He received 135 votes but was not elected that time.
