Elise Harmon facts for kids

Elise Frances Harmon (born September 3, 1909, in Mount Enterprise, Texas – died March 6, 1985, in Santa Clara County, California) was an American scientist. She was a physicist and chemist. Elise Harmon helped make computers much smaller. Her work was very important for modern electronics.

Elise Harmon's Career

Elise Harmon had an amazing career in science and engineering. She worked on many important projects. Her contributions helped shape the world of electronics.

Working During World War II

During World War II, Elise Harmon worked for the United States Naval Research Laboratory. She was part of the Aircraft and Electrical Division. This work was crucial for the war effort.

Leading Research in Electronics

In the early 1950s, Harmon worked for the Bureau of Standards. She also worked for the Naval Research Bureau. Both are important government science groups.

In 1953, she became a chief research engineer at the Aerovox Corporation. She was in charge of research and development. She also set up new ways to make printed circuits. Printed circuits are like tiny roads for electricity inside electronic devices.

By the 1970s, she was leading all printed circuit work at Aerovox. She was also a member of several important science groups. These included the American Chemical Society and the Institute of Radio Engineers.

Key Inventions and Discoveries

One of Elise Harmon's biggest achievements was creating a new method for making printed circuits. This was called the "hot die stamp method." It involved putting silver wires onto plastic materials.

This invention helped make electronic parts smaller and more reliable. In 1953, she and Philip J. Franklin received a patent for this new technology. Harmon also studied how greases and lubricants work in fast-moving machine parts.

There are no barriers against a woman with capabilities getting into the scientific field ... Men succeed in hairdressing and cooking, don’t they?

Teaching and Inspiring Others

Before her work in industry, Elise Harmon was a teacher. From 1934 to 1937, she taught chemistry, physics, and biology. She taught at Brownsville Junior High School.

Later, she taught these subjects at Texas Junior College. She also taught at the University of North Texas and the University of Texas at Austin. She helped inspire many young students.

Elise Harmon's Education

Elise Harmon was a dedicated student. She studied science for many years. Her strong education helped her become a leading scientist.

High School and College

Around 1927, she graduated from Marshall High School. This was in Marshall, Texas.

In 1931, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She received this from the University of North Texas. While studying there, she was president of a student chemical society.

Advanced Studies

Elise Harmon continued her education. She earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

She also did more advanced studies after her master's degree. She studied at George Washington University and the University of Maryland.

Awards and Recognition

Elise Harmon received several awards for her important work. These awards recognized her contributions to science and engineering.

• In 1956, she received the Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers. This award honored her special work in printed circuits.
• In 1968, she was given the President's Award by IPC. This award is for people who make very important contributions to IPC programs.

Elise Harmon's Patents

Elise Harmon held many patents for her inventions. A patent protects an invention and gives the inventor rights to it.

Some of her notable patents include:

• A method for making "plastic matrix for printing resistors" (1953). This was her hot die stamp method.
• A "silk screen stretcher" (1953). This helped make fabric very tight for printing.
• An "injection printing machine for film resistors."
• Improvements for "high altitude carbon brush performance." This helped American airplanes during World War II.

Affiliations

Elise Harmon was a member of several important scientific groups:

• American Chemical Society (she joined in 1950)
• Institute of Radio Engineers
• Texas Academy of Sciences

Elise Harmon's Family

Elise Harmon had a brother and a sister. Her brother, Ham Harmon, played professional football. He played for the Chicago Cardinals in 1937.

Her sister, Ann Ferrari, helped with the Salk Polio Vaccine field trial. She also taught Physical Therapy at Stanford University.

See also

In Spanish: Elise Harmon para niños