Hilda Conrady Kingslake facts for kids
Hilda Conrady Kingslake was an amazing English-American scientist. She was born Hilda Gertrude Conrady on February 16, 1902. She lived a long life, passing away on February 14, 2003, just two days before her 101st birthday! Hilda was a very important researcher in the field of optics. Optics is the study of light and how it behaves.
Her Early Life
Hilda Gertrude Conrady was born in London, England. This happened on February 16, 1902.
Education and Career
Hilda studied at the Royal College of Science in London. This college was part of the Imperial College London. She was in the technical optics department. She was part of the very first class to graduate from this program in 1923.
After graduating, Hilda continued to work there. She was a research scholar. This means she did special studies and wrote about her findings. She wrote about things like the Foucault knife-edge test. This test helps check how good a lens or mirror is. Her first scientific paper was published in 1924. It was about understanding the Foucault knife-edge test.
Hilda also helped record the history of optics. She wrote two important books about it. One was called "History of the Optical Society of America, 1916-1966." The other was "The First 50 Years - the Institute of Optics 1929-1979." These books helped people learn about the past of optics.
Hilda was a long-time member of OSA. She was also an OSA Fellow. This is a special honor given to members who have made important contributions.
Her Family
Hilda's family was also very involved in optics. Her father, Alexander Eugen Conrady, was a major figure in optics. He taught many people about it. Her husband, Rudolf Kingslake, was also a famous optics researcher.
Both Hilda and Rudolf actually studied under Hilda's father, A.E. Conrady. This happened at the Imperial College of Science and Technology in London.
In 1929, Hilda and Rudolf got married. Soon after, they moved to Rochester, New York. Rudolf was offered a job as a professor at the University of Rochester. They both lived in Rochester for the rest of their lives. Hilda passed away on February 14, 2003. Rudolf passed away shortly after, on February 28, 2003.
