Harriet Brooks: Pioneer Nuclear Scientist

by Marelene F. Rayner-Canham

After completing a master's degree at McGill University under Rutherford's tutelage, Brooks continued her post-graduate work at Bryn Mawr College and Cambridge University, eventually returning to McGill to work again with Rutherford. In 1904 she left Canada to work at Barnard College in New York City, and then with Curie in Paris. Brooks had a significant career as a nuclear scientist, but her success was hampered by the fact that she was a woman. She eventually married and left research. Her premature death at age fifty-six was probably related to her work with radiation.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1992

Reviews

[Katherine Benfante · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I'm a huge Ernest Rutherford fan, and Brooks was his first graduate student. She was a pioneer, helped along by Rutherford's support. This book was very informative on her life and the times in general, although I wished for a bit more depth. I wished it was longer. However, she's a bit obscure, so the fact she has a biography at all is amazing. Recommend this for engineers and physicists, especially female ones.

[Monika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooks had a significant career as a nuclear scientist, but her success was hampered by the fact that she was a woman. She eventually married and left research.