Bernice Ackerman

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Bernice Ackerman (1925– July 5, 1995, Lake View, Chicago[1]) was an American meteorologist, known for being the first woman weathercaster in the U.S. and the first woman meteorologist at Argonne National Laboratory.[2]

Early life and education[]

Born in Chicago, Ackerman was the valedictorian of her graduating class at Lake View High School.[1] Prior to attending college, she was a weather observer and flight briefer for the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) in World War II.[3] Ackerman attended the University of Chicago throughout her education, where she received her a bachelor's degree in meteorology and Phi Beta Kappa in 1948, her master's degree in meteorology in 1955, and her PhD in geophysical science in 1965.[2][4]

Career and research[]

After earning her bachelor's degree, Ackerman took up a position as a meteorologist and hydrologist at the U.S. Weather Bureau, where she stayed until 1953. She then moved to Argonne National Laboratory, where she was the only woman to research in its , a joint project with the University of Chicago.[4][1] After earning her PhD, Ackerman became an assistant professor at Texas A&M University; she was promoted to associate professor in 1967. While there, she taught cloud physics and boundary layer meteorology. She left Texas A&M in 1970 and returned to Argonne for two years, then moved to the at the University of Illinois, where she stayed until 1989, eventually becoming the head of the meteorology section.[4]

Professional memberships[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b c Heise, Kenan (8 July 1995). "Retired State Meteorologist Bernice Ackerman". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b Bailey, Martha J. (1994). American Women in Science:A Biographical Dictionary. ABC-CLIO, Inc. ISBN 978-0-87436-740-9.
  3. ^ Passport to Knowledge. "World War II and the Broadening of Opportunities". Retrieved 16 April 2011.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c Wayne, Tiffany K. (1 January 2011). American Women of Science Since 1900. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9781598841589.
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