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Sheril Kirshenbaum Dec 4, 2022

In 1925, Dr. Cecilia Payne completed her PhD thesis, described as “the most brilliant ever written in astronomy.” At a time when few #women entered academia, Payne discovered what the universe is made of. Her work began a revolution in astrophysics.

Dr. Payne-Gaposchkin became the 1st female professor & 1st female department chair at Harvard. Given most of us remember names like Darwin & Newton, we should also celebrate Payne. #science #space

This Month in Physics History

January 1, 1925: Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin and the Day the Universe Changed

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Chai Nguyen Dec 5, 2022

@Sheril
Im in my 50s. When i was in school, i wanted to study sharks. I was told no women made contributions to science (cept Currie, who they could not ignore, though they tried!). And it was because THERE WERE NO WOMEN IN SCIENCE, and not because “women were there, but we dont learn about them!”

I hope no other 10 year old decides to go into a field she doesnt want, because aomone says she cant do what she really wants to do.

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Sheril Kirshenbaum

@Kipruss3 I'm sorry that was the message you received as a child. I sense we're doing much better these days at keeping girls and young women enthusiastic about pursuing science.

Academia doesn't usually do enough to keep women in science after a PhD and there's a big drop off after that. I've been fortunate in my career - although I have some real interesting personal stories. It's a trend I've certainly observed over and over among friends and colleagues.