Harry Thode facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Thode
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| President and vice-chancellor of McMaster University | |
| In office 1961–1972 |
|
| Preceded by | George Gilmour |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Bourns |
| President of the Royal Society of Canada | |
| In office 1959–1960 |
|
| Preceded by | Pierre Daviault |
| Succeeded by | Merton Yarwood Williams |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Henry George Thode
September 10, 1910 Dundurn, Saskatchewan |
| Died | March 22, 1997 (aged 86) Dundas, Ontario |
| Occupation | Nuclear scientist |
Henry George Thode (September 10, 1910 – March 22, 1997) was an important Canadian scientist and university leader. He was a expert in geochemistry (the study of the Earth's chemistry) and nuclear chemistry (the study of atoms and their changes). Thode served as the president of McMaster University from 1961 to 1972.
He is remembered for building a special machine called a cyclotron. This machine could make radioactive isotopes, which are special types of atoms. Along with C. H. Jaimet, Thode used radioactive iodine to help diagnose and treat thyroid disease in people. This was the very first time radioactive iodine was used for medical purposes in Canada!
Early Life and Education
Henry Thode was born in Dundurn, Saskatchewan, on September 10, 1910. He attended the University of Saskatchewan. There, he earned his first science degrees in 1930 and 1932.
In 1934, he continued his studies at the University of Chicago. He earned his PhD in physical chemistry. This is a high-level degree for scientists.
Career at McMaster University
Thode joined McMaster University in 1939. He started as an associate professor of chemistry. He became a full professor in 1944.
He took on many leadership roles at the university:
- In 1947, he became the director of research.
- From 1948 to 1952, he led the chemistry department.
- In 1949, he became the principal of Hamilton College.
- He was appointed vice-president of the university in 1957.
- Finally, in 1961, he became the president and vice-chancellor.
He retired from his role as president in 1972. Henry Thode passed away in 1997 in Dundas, Ontario.
Awards and Recognition
Henry Thode received many important awards for his scientific work:
- He was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire. This was for his important contributions to atomic research during World War II.
- In 1943, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
- In 1954, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society.
- In 1967, he was the first scientist to be made a Companion of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors.
To honor his contributions, the science and engineering library at McMaster University is named after him.
 | James Van Der Zee |
 | Alma Thomas |
 | Ellis Wilson |
 | Margaret Taylor-Burroughs |
