Elaine Koppelman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elaine Koppelman
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| Born | March 28, 1937 |
| Died | January 11, 2019 (aged 81) |
| Alma mater | Brooklyn College (BA) Yale University (MA, ABD) Johns Hopkins University (PhD, MSE) |
| Spouse(s) | Hans P. Eugster |
| Children | 3 stepdaughters |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Goucher College |
| Thesis | Calculus of operations: French influence on British mathematics in the first half of the nineteenth century (1969) |
| Doctoral advisor | Harry Woolf |
| Other academic advisors | Carl Benjamin Boyer |
Elaine H. Koppelman Eugster (born March 28, 1937 – died January 11, 2019) was an amazing American mathematician. She was also a dedicated teacher. Elaine taught mathematics as the James Beall Professor at Goucher College.
Contents
Elaine Koppelman's Early Life and School
Elaine Koppelman was born on March 28, 1937. Her hometown was Brooklyn, New York. She grew up with two brothers. Elaine was very smart and finished high school when she was only 16 years old.
She went to Brooklyn College and earned a bachelor's degree. Her main subject was mathematics, and she also studied physics. Later, she continued her studies at Yale University. There, she earned a Master of Arts degree in mathematics. She almost finished her doctorate there too.
A Research Challenge
For two years, Elaine worked hard on a difficult math problem for her doctorate. She spent a lot of time trying to find the answer. Then, she discovered that the solution had already been published. It was in a little-known math journal from Poland.
Elaine's Career and Further Education
In 1961, Elaine started teaching at Goucher College. She was hired as a teacher. However, she needed to finish her doctoral thesis to keep the job. She tried for two years but decided to stop.
A New Path in History of Science
Her husband, Hans P. Eugster, suggested a new idea. He thought she should study the history of science. So, Elaine went to Johns Hopkins University. In 1969, she earned her doctorate in this new field. Her special paper was about how French math ideas influenced British math.
Elaine became the James Beall Professor of Mathematics at Goucher College. She loved teaching there.
Learning More About Computers
Elaine kept learning throughout her life. In 1987, she earned another master's degree. This time, it was in electrical engineering and computer science. She got this degree from Johns Hopkins University.
Traveling the World
Elaine also worked with her husband, Hans. He was a geologist, a scientist who studies rocks and the Earth. Her work as his field assistant took her to many different places around the world.
After her husband passed away in 1987, Elaine decided to help others. She joined the Peace Corps. This group sends volunteers to help people in other countries. Elaine taught data processing in Seychelles, a country made of islands. She returned to Goucher College and retired in 2001.
Elaine's Personal Life
Elaine was married to the geologist Hans P. Eugster. They lived in Maryland. In 1984, they bought a home in Martha's Vineyard. This is an island off the coast of Massachusetts.
Hans passed away suddenly in 1987. Elaine created the Hans Eugster Research Fund at Johns Hopkins University. This fund helps other researchers.
Elaine was very involved in her community. She volunteered and supported many groups. These included the Martha's Vineyard Cancer Support Group and the Hospice of Martha's Vineyard. She also helped the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library and the Committee on Hunger. She supported music, gardens, and theater groups too.
Elaine Koppelman passed away on January 11, 2019. She was survived by three stepdaughters and seven step-grandchildren. A special service was held to remember her at the Martha's Vineyard Hebrew Center.
