Louise Zung-nyi Loh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Louise Zung-nyi Loh
陆慎仪
Louise Zung-nyi Loh, from the 1924 yearbook of Wellesley College
Born	Loh Zung-nyi March 10, 1900 Kiangsu, China
Died	April 25, 1981 Ohio, U.S.
Other names	Shenyi Lu
Occupation	Mathematician, physicist, educator

Louise Zung-nyi Loh (Chinese: 陆慎仪) was a brilliant Chinese woman born on March 10, 1900. She became a well-known mathematician, physicist, and educator. She spent many years teaching math and physics in China from 1925 to 1948. Later, she moved to the United States and continued her teaching career there after 1948. Louise Loh passed away on April 25, 1981, at the age of 81.

Early Life and Education

Louise Loh was born in Jiangsu, a province in China. She started her college journey at Ginling College in 1920. Later, she moved to the United States and attended Wellesley College from 1921, graduating in 1924. While at Wellesley, she was the leader of the Chinese students' club.

After Wellesley, she continued her studies at Cornell University. In 1925, she earned a master's degree in both physics and mathematics. Her master's paper was about "The Effect of Temperature on the Absorption of Fluorescein". She also studied further at Oxford University from 1935 to 1937 and was a graduate student at the University of Michigan in 1952.

Career and Contributions

Louise Loh dedicated many years to teaching. From 1925 to 1948, she taught mathematics and physics at several important universities in China. These included Ginling College, Central University, and Hunan University. She even served as the acting dean of Ginling College in 1946 and 1947.

She was also very involved in the scientific community. Louise Loh was one of the people who helped start the Chinese Mathematical Society. She was also a member of several important groups in America, like the Mathematical Association of America, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and the American Physical Society.

Helping Others in Dangerous Times

During a very difficult and dangerous time in Nanjing in 1937, Louise Loh showed great bravery. She warned the foreign teachers at Ginling College about the approaching danger. A fellow student from Wellesley remembered how Louise "went to every laboratory and class room and ordered foreign teachers to the faculty house at once." She made sure they got to a safe place quickly.

Louise Loh also managed to save important items from the college safe. She helped organize emergency clothing for people who had to leave their homes. Her actions were even mentioned in the diary of a missionary named Minnie Vautrin. This shows how important her role was in helping the school and its community during this challenging period. She worked with Minnie Vautrin and Wu Yi-fang to plan for the school's future.

Later Career in the United States

In 1948, Louise Loh moved back to the United States. She continued her passion for teaching mathematics and physics at several colleges. She taught at Wellesley College, Smith College, Wilson College, and Western College for Women.

From 1956 to 1964, she used her physics knowledge in a different way. She worked as a physicist at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

Personal Life and Legacy

Louise Loh passed away in 1981 in Ohio, at the age of 81. She left money to create the Louise Zung-nyi Loh Scholarship Fund at Ohio State University. This fund helps students who are interested in studying East Asian cultures and history. Her legacy continues to support education and learning.

See also

In Spanish: Louise Zung-nyi Loh para niños