Mildred S. Dresselhaus
National Medal of Science
Engineering
For her studies of the electronic properties of metals and semimetals, and for her service to the Nation in establishing a prominent place for women in physics and engineering.
VIEW STATISTICS +
Birth
November 11, 1930Age Awarded
60Country of Birth
USAKey Contributions
Carbon NanotubesLow-Dimensional Thermodynamics
Awarded by
George H. W. BushEducation
University of ChicagoHunter College
Areas of Impact
Theory & FoundationsAffiliations
Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyOther Prizes
Presidential Medal of FreedomNational Inventors Hall of Fame
Enrico Fermi Award
Kavli Prize
With more than half a century of research, discoveries and awards under her belt, engineer and physicist Mildred Dresselhaus has truly earned her title — "Queen of Carbon."
Since the 1950s, Dresselhaus has spent her career studying metals and semimetals, like carbon. Her research of carbon as a superconductor paved the way for advances in the field of nanotechnology.
In addition to her work inside the lab, Dresselhaus also uses her resources to advocate for women in scientific fields like physics and engineering. She draws on her own experience getting ahead in a male-dominated field.
In 2012, Dresselhaus told the New York Times that she didn't even consider a career in science until she was in college.
"At that time, there were only three kinds of jobs commonly open to women: teaching, nursing and secretarial work," she said in the interview.
But Dresselhaus’ passion for science ran deep — so deep that she continues to work in the lab at age 85.
By Rachel Warren