Ella Mary Collin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ella Mary Collin
as WES President
Born	15 July 1903 Essex
Died	1 February 1973
Citizenship	British
Education	B.Sc. Chemistry; Ph.D. Metallurgical Chemistry
Occupation	Metallurgical Chemist; Inspector of Schools
Employer	British Launderers Research Association; HM Inspector of Schools
Organization	Women's Engineering Society

Ella Mary Collin (born July 15, 1903 – died February 1, 1973) was a brilliant chemist. She specialized in metallurgy, which is the science of metals. Ella worked as a researcher and also in education. She became the President of the Women's Engineering Society (WES). This society helps women in engineering and related fields. She held many important jobs within the WES before becoming its president.

Ella's Education Journey

Ella Collin studied hard to become a scientist. She earned a special degree from King's College London. She then continued her studies in metallurgy at the Sir John Cass Technical Institute. Here, she met Frances Heywood, who introduced her to the important work of the Women's Engineering Society.

Ella spent several years doing part-time research. Her research focused on impurities in ores and metals. Ores are rocks that contain metal. For this important work, she earned a Ph.D. degree from London University.

Ella's Career Path

Ella Collin started her career at a company that specialized in chemistry. They worked as analytical and consulting chemists. This means they tested chemicals and gave expert advice.

In 1945, Ella joined the British Launderer's Research Association. This group studied how to make laundry better. She first worked as the Director of Research. Later, she became their Education Officer.

In 1949, Ella was given a new role. She became an Inspector of Schools. She worked in the branch that focused on technical and further education. This meant she helped make sure schools taught important skills.

Leading Professional Societies

After getting her Ph.D., Ella Collin became a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chemistry. This is a high honor for chemists.

She joined the Women's Engineering Society (WES) in 1934. The WES helps women who work in engineering. Ella was very active in the London branch of the WES. She helped to set it up in 1946. She was the Secretary from 1946 to 1947. Then, she became the Chairman from 1947 to 1949.

During her time as Chairman, the London branch held many meetings. They talked about important topics like equal pay for women. They also visited interesting places. These included the J. Lyons food factory and the X-ray department at St Bartholomew's Hospital.

In 1948, a big meeting was held at Westminster Central Hall. More than 1,000 women gathered there. They demanded equal pay for doing the same work as men. The WES London Branch even changed its meeting date so members could attend this important event.

Ella Collin became the President of the WES from 1951 to 1952. In 1953, she gave a speech about how technical education was developing. As president, she often spoke about the need for good technical education in schools. She took over from Sheila Leather and was followed by Dorothy Pile, who was also a metallurgist. Ella also worked with groups that helped business and professional women around the world.

Besides her scientific work, Ella Collin loved to cook. She took many cooking classes. She even earned a top certificate in cooking from City and Guilds.