Florence Eliza Allen facts for kids
Florence Eliza Allen (born October 4, 1876 – died December 31, 1960) was an American mathematician and an activist who worked for women's suffrage. This means she supported women getting the right to vote. In 1907, she made history as the second woman to earn a Ph.D. (a very high degree) in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She was also the fourth person overall to get a Ph.D. from that math department.
Contents
Who Was Florence Allen?
Florence Allen was born in a town called Horicon, Wisconsin. She had an older brother. Her father was a lawyer, which is someone who helps people with legal matters.
Her College Years
Florence Allen started her journey in mathematics at the University of Wisconsin. She earned her first degree, a bachelor's degree, in mathematics in 1900. While she was an undergraduate student, she was part of a special honor society called Phi Beta Kappa. This society recognizes students who are very good at their studies.
She was also a member of another group called Delta Delta Delta when she was working on her Ph.D. Florence was a leader in a women's group that focused on fine arts and literature.
Continuing Her Education
After getting her bachelor's degree, Florence Allen stayed at the University of Wisconsin. She lived there and continued her studies. In 1901, she earned her master's degree. This is another advanced degree after a bachelor's.
Florence Allen kept working at the University of Wisconsin. She started as an assistant. In 1902, she became an instructor, which means she taught students.
Becoming a Doctor of Mathematics
In 1907, Florence Allen earned her doctorate degree, or Ph.D. Her special area of study was geometry, which is a part of mathematics that deals with shapes and sizes.
After getting her Ph.D., she continued to work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She became an assistant professor in 1945. She retired from teaching in 1947. Florence Allen passed away in 1960 in Madison, Wisconsin, when she was 84 years old.
