World-renowned scientist leaves legacy gift to ALBA
Dr. Nina Byers. Photo courtesy of UCLA.
Dr. Nina Byers, who died on June 5, 2014, was a long-time friend of ALBA’s. As a pioneering theoretical physicist, her work contributed greatly to both the understanding of particle physics and superconductivity.
After receiving her Ph.D. in 1956 from the University of Chicago, she became a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, England. In 1958, she moved to Stanford University and three years later became an Assistant Professor at UCLA—the first, and only, female in the Physics Department for the next 20 years. She was also the first woman Lecturer in the Physics Department at Oxford and for several years split her time between Los Angeles and Oxford. She was the recipient of several fellowships and author of numerous scientific papers.
Professor Byers’ efforts to recognize the contributions women made to modern physics culminated in Out of the Shadows: Contributions of Twentieth-Century Women to Physics. This important anthology, which she edited, documents the original and important work of female physicists. Dr. Byers retired from UCLA in 1993, but was an active Professor Emeritus until her passing.
In addition to her passion for physics, Nina was a staunch anti-war activist and spoke out strongly against nuclear proliferation and for issues of social justice.
ALBA is truly grateful for her generous Legacy Gift.
For information about our Legacy Gift program, call 212-574-5398; or visit info@alba-valb.org
