Vivian O'Brien facts for kids
Vivian "Vob" O'Brien (born 1924 – died December 24, 2010) was an American scientist who studied how liquids and gases move (called fluid dynamics) and how we see things (called visual perception). She worked for many years as a researcher at Johns Hopkins University. She is famous for her part in naming the Craik–O'Brien–Cornsweet illusion, which is a cool trick our eyes play on us!
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Vivian O'Brien's Early Life and Studies
Vivian O'Brien grew up in Baltimore. She went to Eastern High School and then to Goucher College. In 1945, she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Because World War II was happening, many jobs in science and technology were open to women. Vivian started working in aerodynamics, which is the study of how air moves around objects, like airplanes. She worked as a "computer" for the Glenn L. Martin Company. Back then, a "computer" was a person who did calculations!
In 1947, Vivian became a research assistant at Johns Hopkins University. While working there, she continued her studies. She earned two master's degrees: one in mathematics in 1950 and another in engineering aeronautics in 1954.
Becoming a Top Scientist
In 1955, Vivian O'Brien became a main physicist at the Eisenhower Research Center, which is part of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. She stayed in this important job for over 30 years until she retired in 1986. In 1960, she earned her Ph.D. in fluid mechanics. This made her the very first woman at the Applied Physics Laboratory to get a doctorate degree!
What Did Vivian O'Brien Research?
Vivian O'Brien studied many interesting things. Her research included:
- Aerodynamics: How air moves.
- Magnetohydrodynamics: How magnetic fields affect electrically charged fluids.
- Fluid dynamics: How liquids and gases move.
- The flow of blood through the human eye.
- Visual perception: How our brains interpret what our eyes see.
She is especially known for her work on the Craik–O'Brien–Cornsweet illusion. This illusion makes us see differences in brightness that aren't really there! It shows how our brains try to make sense of edges and boundaries.
Awards and Recognition
Vivian O'Brien was recognized for her important contributions to science. In 1976, she was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS). This is a special honor given to scientists who have made great discoveries and advancements in physics.
