Mary Bradburn facts for kids

Mary Bradburn (1918–2000) was a brilliant British woman who taught mathematics. She was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. She even became the president of a big group called the Mathematical Association from 1994 to 1995. This group helps people learn and teach math.

Early Life and Education

Mary Bradburn was born on March 17, 1918. Her hometown was Normanby in North Yorkshire, England. Her father was an engineer who worked on ships, and her mother was from Scotland.

Mary went to a school that didn't really think girls should study a lot of math. But Mary was so good that they let her learn at her own speed. She was several years ahead of everyone else in math!

University Studies

Mary won a special scholarship from the government to go to university. She wanted to go to Oxford or Cambridge, but she was only 17, and too young for those schools. So, she went to Royal Holloway College instead.

She started at Royal Holloway in 1935. Even though she was involved in many activities outside of her studies, she was an amazing student. In 1938, she earned top honors in mathematics. She then finished her master's degree there in 1940.

Mary received another scholarship, this time from the University of London. She used it to study at the University of Edinburgh starting in 1941. There, she worked with a famous scientist named Max Born. Her special research project was about how crystals are made up of tiny parts and how they behave.

Teaching Career

After her studies, Mary taught for a short time at the University of Edinburgh. She also taught at the University of Dundee.

In 1945, she returned to Royal Holloway College as a teacher. She stayed there until she retired in 1980. During her time there, Royal Holloway changed from being a college only for women to one that accepted both men and women. Mary supported this change.

Awards and Lasting Impact

Mary Bradburn was recognized for her important work. In 1955, she became a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. This means she was chosen as a respected member of a group that studies space and stars.

Prizes in Her Name

Even after her passing, Mary Bradburn's legacy continues to inspire students.

• The mathematics department at Royal Holloway College gives out an award every year. It's called the Mary Bradburn Prize, and it goes to excellent undergraduate students.
• The British Federation of Women Graduates also offers a Mary Bradburn Prize. This award comes from money Mary left behind to help other women in their studies.