Margaret Millington facts for kids

Margaret Hilary Millington (born March 22, 1944 – died March 1973) was a talented mathematician from England. Even though her life was short, her important work in mathematics helped other scientists make new discoveries years later.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Hilary Ashworth was born in Halifax, a town in Yorkshire, England. Her father worked for the local post office. Margaret went to school in Halifax and then continued her studies at St Mary's College, Durham.

She later attended Oxford University, one of the most famous universities in the world. In 1968, she earned her PhD degree in mathematics. A PhD is a very high degree that shows someone is an expert in their field. Her teacher and guide at Oxford was a mathematician named A. O. L. Atkin.

Career and Research

In 1968, Margaret married Lieutenant A.H. Millington. She received a special grant called a Science Research Council Fellowship. This grant allowed her to do advanced research at any university she chose.

When her husband was sent to Germany for two years, Margaret taught mathematics there. She worked at an Army Education Centre, helping soldiers learn math.

Margaret's main area of study was a complex part of mathematics called modular forms. Her research, which she started during her fellowship, was very important.

Lasting Impact

Sadly, Margaret died in Germany in March 1973 from a brain tumour. She was only 29 years old.

Even though her career ended too soon, her work had a lasting impact. In 1983, years after her death, the London Mathematical Society held a special meeting. At this meeting, mathematicians discussed her PhD work and the research she did afterward.

Her ideas and discoveries were so important that other mathematicians continued her work. This led to new interest and progress in the field of modular forms. Her former teacher, A. O. L. Atkin, believed she would have made many more exciting discoveries if she had lived longer.