Grace Andrews (mathematician) facts for kids

Grace Andrews (born May 30, 1869 – died July 27, 1951) was an important American mathematician. She was one of the first women to be recognized in a famous science book. This book was called American Men of Science. It came out in 1906. Only two women were listed in its first edition. Grace Andrews was one of them. The other was Charlotte Angas Scott.

Early Life and Education

Grace Andrews was born in Brooklyn on May 30, 1869. Her father, Edward Gayer Andrews, was a bishop and school leader. Because of his work, Grace moved often as a child. She lived in places like Ohio, Iowa, and Washington D.C. She even spent time in Europe.

Grace attended Mount Vernon Seminary and College. She then went to Wellesley College. She earned her first degree there in 1890. Her program at Wellesley lasted five years. It also included studying music.

She continued her studies at Columbia University. She earned a master's degree (A.M.) in 1899. Then, in 1901, she completed her Ph.D. This is the highest university degree. Her special research paper was about a complex math topic. It was called The Primitive Double Minimal Surface of the Seventh Class and its Conjugate.

Her Work as a Mathematician

From 1900 to 1902, Grace Andrews worked at Barnard College. She was an Assistant Professor of Mathematics there. This meant she taught math to college students.

After that, she worked for Wesleyan University. From 1903 to 1926, she was an accountant for the Treasurer. An accountant helps manage money records. She did this work from her home in Brooklyn.

Grace also held leadership roles in a group called the New York branch of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This society helped with missionary work abroad.