Mildred Dresselhaus

Mildred Dresselhaus was a renowned American physicist and nanotechnologist, born in 1930 and passing away in 2017. Her distinguished career was marked by her affiliation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she held the prestigious title of Institute Professor and taught both physics and electrical engineering. Dresselhaus' expertise and contributions to her field earned her numerous leadership roles, including serving as president of the American Physical Society and chair of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dresselhaus' achievements were recognized with a multitude of prestigious awards, solidifying her position as a leading figure in her field. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Science, and the Enrico Fermi Award, among others. Additionally, she was honored with the Kavli Prize and the Vannevar Bush Award, further testament to her groundbreaking work. Her influence extended beyond academia, as she also served as the director of science in the US Department of Energy during the Bill Clinton administration, leaving a lasting impact on the scientific community.