Esther Conwell, Pioneering Professor of Chemistry, Dead at 92

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Newswise Esther M. Conwell, research professor of chemistry at the University of Rochester and recipient of a National Medal of Science, died in a motor vehicle accident Sunday at the age of 92.

A pioneer in the field of semiconductor research that ultimately revolutionized modern computers, Conwell was recognized as one of Discover magazines Top 50 Women of Science in 2002 and awarded the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama in 2010. Her expertise earned her the rare honor of memberships in both the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering.

Esther Conwells death is a tragic loss for the world of science, as well as for the University community, said University President Joel Seligman. Professor Conwells many scientific contributions and her pioneering role as a leading woman in science made her a source of pride for our entire University of Rochester community. She was a deeply inspiring scientist for young women pursuing careers in science. Our thoughts are with her family and colleagues during this very difficult time.

In addition to her own outstanding research contributions, Esther, over her career, mentored many postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students, said Todd Krauss, chair of the Department of Chemistry. More broadly, she has served as an inspiration to women scientists around the globe. She will be greatly missed.

In an interview with Rochester Review in 2003, Conwell said "My life is the story of women scientists making a place in the world. Although it's not nirvana yet, women have come a long way in my working lifetime, and it gives me hope."

Conwells academic and professional careers began at a time when women were rarely seen in science classrooms and laboratories. Early in her career, Conwell was hired as an assistant engineer at Western Electric. Shortly afterwards, she was notified that no such classification existedfor women. So she became instead an engineers assistant, a reassignment that significantly lowered her pay.

Conwell was nominated for the National Medal of Science by Mildred Dresselhaus, professor of physics and electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technologyherself a National Medal of Science winner. Dr. Esther Conwell has had an extraordinarily productive career as a scientist and has greatly influenced electronic device design and performance wrote Dresselhaus in her letter of nomination. She has an outstanding track record and is still going strong.

Conwells journey started at the University of Rochester as a masters student in physics in 1942. She completed her masters thesis under the supervision of Victor Weisskopf. Together, they formulated the Conwell-Weisskopf theory that led to a better understanding of how materials affect the flow of electrons inside transistors and integrated circuits. Initially kept under lock and key as part of the war effort, the work was declassified and published in 1950.

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Esther Conwell, Pioneering Professor of Chemistry, Dead at 92