Nora Calderwood facts for kids

Nora Isobel Calderwood (born March 14, 1896 – died April 1985) was an amazing Scottish professor. She was also a brilliant mathematician. She taught many students at the University of Birmingham. Nora Calderwood is remembered for her love of teaching.

Early Life and Education

Nora Calderwood was born in 1896. Her hometown was Blairgowrie, Perthshire, in Scotland. Her father, Daniel Scott Calderwood, was a headmaster. He led the Blairgowrie Public School. Later, her family moved to Edinburgh. This happened when Nora was still young. Her father became the headmaster of the Church of Scotland Normal School there.

Nora started school at James Gillespie's School in 1901. She was five years old at the time. She studied there for six years. In 1907, she received a special scholarship. This allowed her to study at Edinburgh Ladies' College. She attended this college until 1914.

Nora was very talented in music. In 1910, at age 14, she passed a high-level piano exam. By 1913, she was named the best music student. She also won awards for science and arithmetic. She was especially good at mathematics. She won the Costorphine Prize for being the best mathematician.

Nora went to the University of Edinburgh from 1914 to 1920. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1919. In 1920, she received a Master of Arts degree. She studied many subjects. These included mathematics, Latin, and chemistry.

After university, she joined the University of Birmingham. She started teaching mathematics there. But soon, she returned to Edinburgh. She wanted to continue her studies. She worked with a famous mathematician, Alexander Aitken. In 1931, she earned her PhD in mathematics. Her special research was about the "Theory of Matrices."

Career and Achievements

Nora Calderwood was a member of important math groups. She joined the Edinburgh Mathematical Society in 1919. This was when she was still a student. In 1922, she also joined the London Mathematical Society. These groups are for mathematicians to share ideas.

Many students remembered her fondly. One student, Margaret Lee, shared a memory. She said Dr. Nora Calderwood loved her students very much. She was known for being a kind and caring teacher.

Awards and Recognition

Nora Calderwood's name lives on at the University of Birmingham. There is an award named after her. It is called the Calderwood Prize. This prize is given to excellent students. It celebrates her contributions to the university.

Personal Life

Nora Calderwood never married. She was a very skilled piano player. She often gave piano concerts. These performances took place in Birmingham.