November 10

Gideon Mantell (1790–1852) was an English physician and pioneering paleontologist whose discoveries reshaped understanding of prehistoric life. In 1822, he unearthed fossilized teeth and bones of what he named Iguanodon, providing one of the first scientific insights into dinosaurs. His detailed studies and publications, such as 'The Fossils of the South Downs,' advanced the field of paleontology and sparked public fascination with ancient reptiles. Mantell's work laid the groundwork for future dinosaur classification and research despite his later struggles with injury and declining health. He remains celebrated as a key figure in the early development of earth sciences.

Maria Jane Williams (d. 1873) was a Welsh musician and folklorist celebrated for her efforts to collect and publish traditional Welsh folk melodies. In 1844, she co-authored 'The Ancient National Airs of Gwent and Morgannwg,' preserving hundreds of regional tunes and lyrics. A skilled harpist and singer, she organized gatherings to share and teach these songs, fostering a revival of Welsh cultural heritage. Her publications and performances ensured the survival of music that might otherwise have been lost amidst industrial changes. Williams' dedication laid the foundation for future folk music enthusiasts and researchers in Wales.

Carrie Derick was born in 1862 in Montreal and excelled in natural sciences at McGill University. She became the first female faculty member and later full professor of botany in Canada. Her research on plant cytology and hybrids advanced the understanding of heredity. Derick published influential papers and mentored generations of women scientists. She also campaigned for women's suffrage and higher education opportunities. She died in 1941, remembered as a trailblazer for women in science and academia.

Born in 1903, Claude Rodier pursued a career in physics during a period of rapid scientific advancement. Specific details of his research contributions are limited in historical records. He participated in academic research and teaching until his untimely death in 1944. Rodier’s life underscores the many dedicated scientists whose foundational work paved the way for later discoveries. Documentation of his specific achievements remains sparse, reflecting the incomplete archives of the era.

Born Klára Dán in Budapest in 1911, she earned her doctorate in mathematics before emigrating to the United States. She worked alongside John von Neumann on the EDVAC project and was instrumental in developing mathematical foundations for computer programming. Her research on Monte Carlo methods and numerical computation helped shape modern computational science. As one of the few women in her field at the time, she broke barriers and mentored early computer programmers. She passed away in 1963, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of computer science.

Born in 1905, Helen Sharsmith earned her Ph.D. in botany from the University of California, Berkeley. Her work focused on the plant ecology of the Sierra Nevada and she co-authored the influential 'Sierra Nevada Natural History.' As a professor at San Jose State College, she inspired students and advanced the scientific understanding of alpine environments. Sharsmith’s meticulous field research and publications contributed to conservation efforts in California’s mountain regions. She passed away in 1982, leaving behind a legacy in botany and environmental education.

Mário Schenberg was a pioneering Brazilian theoretical physicist born in 1914. He is celebrated for his groundbreaking research in nuclear physics and astrophysics, particularly his work on stellar structure and supernova mechanisms. As a professor at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, he mentored generations of scientists and helped establish Brazil's modern physics community. Schenberg published numerous influential papers and collaborated with international researchers throughout his career. His intellectual curiosity and dedication to education left a lasting impact on scientific institutions in Brazil. He also engaged in science communication, bringing complex concepts to broader audiences. He died in 1990, leaving a profound legacy in Brazilian science.

Fokko du Cloux (1954–2006) was a pioneering researcher in computational algebra and computer science. He collaborated on the Atlas software project, developing algorithms for the classification of Lie algebras and finite groups. Du Cloux authored influential papers on the implementation of advanced mathematical computations. He held academic positions at institutions like the University of Amsterdam and contributed to open-source mathematics software. His blend of theoretical insight and practical programming advanced the capabilities of computer algebra systems. Du Cloux’s innovations continue to support researchers in mathematics and science.

Born in 1915 in Hokuriku, Japan, Kiyosi Itô revolutionized mathematics with the introduction of stochastic calculus. His Ito integral formalized the concept of integrating with respect to Brownian motion. Ito's work underpins modern financial mathematics, physics, and engineering applications of randomness. He served as a professor at the University of Kyoto and mentored generations of mathematicians. Itô received numerous honors, including the Wolf Prize and membership in the Japan Academy. His theories continue to influence research in probability, differential equations, and quantitative finance. He died in 2008, and his contributions remain fundamental to the study of stochastic processes.

Gene Amdahl was born in 1922 in South Dakota and earned degrees in physics. He joined IBM in 1956 and became chief architect of the groundbreaking System/360 mainframe series, revolutionizing computer compatibility. In 1970, Amdahl formulated Amdahl’s Law, a principle defining potential performance gains from parallel computing. After leaving IBM, he founded Amdahl Corporation in 1970, producing high-performance mainframes compatible with IBM systems. His work influenced computer architecture and industry competition for decades. Amdahl received numerous awards and remained active in research until his death in 2015.