Gladys Anslow facts for kids

Gladys Amelia Anslow (born May 22, 1892 – died March 31, 1969) was an American scientist who studied physics. She spent her entire career working at Smith College. She was also the first woman to work with a special machine called a cyclotron. This machine helps scientists study tiny parts of atoms.

Early Life and Education

Gladys Anslow was born in Springfield, Massachusetts. She went to Springfield Central High School. In 1909, she started studying at Smith College.

While at Smith College, she was very interested in math and physics. She was part of the Mathematical Society. She was also the vice president of the Physics Club.

Gladys focused on physics in her second year. She studied with Professor Frank Allan Waterman. She earned her first degree, an A.B., in 1914. After graduating, she worked as a demonstrator and assistant in the Physics Department.

In 1916, she continued her studies in advanced physics. She learned from Professor Janet T. Howell. Professor Howell taught her about spectroscopy. This is a way to study light and how it interacts with matter.

Gladys used a new machine called a spectrograph. She used it to study the light given off by radium. Her research helped her write her master's thesis. She earned her A.M. degree in 1917. After this, she became a physics instructor at Smith College.

Her Career as a Physicist

Gladys Anslow continued her studies and earned her Ph.D. from Yale University in 1924. After getting her Ph.D., she returned to Smith College. She became an associate professor. By 1930, she was a full professor.

She held many important roles at Smith College. In 1940, she became the Director of Graduate Study. In 1946, she became a Professor on the Gates Foundation. She retired in 1960 as Professor Emeritus.

Throughout her career, Gladys wrote many articles for science journals. She was a member of important science groups. These included the American Academy of for the Advancement of Science. She was also part of the American Physical Society. She even led the New England Section of this society.

Working with the Cyclotron

Gladys Anslow was the first woman to work with the cyclotron. This powerful machine was at the University of California, Berkeley. It was sometimes called an "atomic whirligig." It helped scientists "smash the atom" to learn more about it.

She worked with another Smith College physicist, Dorothy Wrinch. They studied protein molecules using spectroscopy. Their goal was to help create new synthetic foods and medicines. This research was supported by a grant from the Office of Naval Research. It was the first research grant of its kind for Smith College.

During World War II, Gladys Anslow helped the armed forces. She was the Chief of Communications and Information Section. Her job was to connect civilian scientists with the military.

Awards and Recognition

For her important work during World War II, Gladys Anslow received a special award. She was given the President's Certificate of Merit. Only three educators received this honor.

She was recognized by her fellow scientists. In 1936, she was chosen as a Fellow of the American Physical Society. In 1955, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.