Mildred S. Dresselhaus Quotes

Powerful Mildred S. Dresselhaus for Daily Growth

About Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Mildred Sobel Dresselhaus, renowned as the "Queen of Carbon Science," was a groundbreaking physicist and electrical engineer who made significant contributions to solid-state physics, particularly in the study of carbon materials. Born on October 15, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, Dresselhaus demonstrated an early aptitude for science, earning her B.S. in Physics from Hunter College in 1951. She continued her education at the University of Chicago, where she received her M.S. (1953) and Ph.D. (1958). Dresselhaus's career was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a dedication to mentoring young scientists. She joined MIT in 1957 as a research associate, eventually rising through the ranks to become an Institute Professor – the highest honor for a professor at MIT. Throughout her illustrious career, she held numerous leadership roles, including serving as Director of MIT's Center for Materials Science and Engineering (1986–1995). Dresselhaus's research focused on the electronic properties of carbon materials, such as graphite, diamond, and fullerenes. Her work significantly advanced our understanding of these materials, leading to applications in areas like electronics, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology. Some of her most notable works include "Electronic Properties of Intrinsic Graphite" (1957), "Carbon Materials: Physics, Chemistry, and Technology" (1984), and her extensive contributions to the field of carbon science in the Journal of Applied Physics. A passionate advocate for women in science, Dresselhaus served as a role model and mentor to countless young scientists, especially women. She was a frequent speaker on issues related to women in academia and advocated for policies that encouraged greater diversity in STEM fields. Mildred S. Dresselhaus passed away on December 20, 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a trailblazer, role model, and pioneering scientist who broke barriers for women in science.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Science is a way of life, and it is a wonderful way of life."

Mildred S. Dresselhaus's quote emphasizes that science isn't just an academic pursuit, but a lifestyle choice. It suggests that the scientific method, curiosity, and continuous learning characterize not only research but also daily life. The "wonderful way of life" implies that approaching problems with logic, experimentation, and open-mindedness brings about personal fulfillment and growth, making science an enriching and valuable way to navigate the world.


"I always tell students: 'Don't let anyone discourage you; don't let anyone scare you away from science.'"

This quote by Mildred S. Dresselhaus encourages students to persist in their pursuit of science, regardless of any discouragement or fear they may encounter along the way. It underscores her belief that no one should be deterred from exploring scientific fields due to intimidation or negativity from others. Instead, students should be empowered and inspired to pursue their interests and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in science.


"If we can make the field of physics look like America, with its diverse population, that would be really exciting."

This quote by Mildred S. Dresselhaus emphasizes the importance of diversity in the field of physics to better reflect the diverse makeup of American society. She envisions a more inclusive scientific community where people from various backgrounds contribute their unique perspectives, fostering innovation and progress in the field. This goal aligns with the broader social justice movement advocating for equal representation in all sectors, including science and academia. A diverse workforce not only enhances the quality of research but also provides role models for underrepresented groups, inspiring future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields.


"The more you learn, the more there is to learn."

This quote by Mildred S. Dresselhaus emphasizes the boundless nature of knowledge and learning. As we acquire more information or skills, it creates a desire for further exploration and understanding, suggesting that learning is an endless process where growth and discovery are lifelong pursuits. The quote highlights the exciting potential in seeking out new ideas and knowledge, as well as acknowledging the humbling realization that there will always be more to learn.


"There are a lot of opportunities for young people in the STEM fields. But I think it's up to us as scientists and engineers to make those opportunities visible."

This quote emphasizes the abundance of opportunities available in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields for younger generations. However, Mildred Dresselhaus suggests that it is the responsibility of established scientists and engineers to bring these opportunities to light. In other words, it falls upon them to make sure the potential paths and benefits of STEM careers are not hidden or inaccessible, thereby enabling young people to pursue their interests and dreams in these fields.


The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Why, Concept, About, Much Attention

My older brother was a musical prodigy, and he got a scholarship to the Bronx House Music School. We moved to the Bronx when I was 4 to be close to his music school. Then I got a music scholarship myself, at the age of 6, but that was for a school down in Greenwich Village. I had to take the elevated train and then the subway to get there.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Older Brother, Had, Moved, Prodigy

Hunter High School was a real turning point for me. I found out about its existence through the music school. Nobody I knew had gone to one of these special high schools, and my teachers didn't think it was possible to get in. But Hunter sent me a practice exam, and I studied what I needed to know to pass the exam.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Practice, Through, Needed, Exam

At my first job as an independent researcher at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, they told me I could work on most anything, but not what I knew something about. That is actually very good advice to a young person starting a career because you bring new ideas to the field.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Career, Independent, Very, New Ideas

All the leadership positions that I have had have one common denominator: none has required that I give up my science work.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Work, Give, Positions, Common Denominator

My entry into the field of hydrogen came as a great surprise. President Bush of the United States was interested in hydrogen for energy applications, and I was asked to chair a committee on hydrogen for the Department of Energy.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Surprise, United States, Department

Superconductivity helped broaden my professional phase space. When I started my work, it was already known that magnetic fields could quench superconductivity. I found that the transition was not continuous, that superconductivity was initially enhanced in the presence of magnetic fields, then it would suddenly fall off.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Space, Professional, Quench, Transition

Energy is one topic on which different countries can work together collaboratively. If we can all produce energy from an element that's available in abundance on our planet, that would be a good thing, but we have to learn how to produce energy in large quantities, cheaply, efficiently and without detriment to the environment.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Abundance, Detriment, Element

One of the over-riding things for many who grow up in poverty is the simple desire to escape. I think it was sort of obvious to me that escape had to be through education.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Think, Through, I Think, Escape

People who have it too easy in early life have a disadvantage for later on, because they get to thinking that everything is going to be easy.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

People, Going, Disadvantage, Early

A carbon nanotube is just a graphene sheet that's rolled up seamlessly, and this happens in nature; carbon nanotubes are found in mineral deposits around the planet.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Nature, Planet, Seamlessly, Carbon

When I came to M.I.T. in 1960, only 4 percent of the students were female. Today, it's about 40 percent of undergraduates. At Lincoln Lab, they had 1,000 men and two women. But we had a very good boss, and he treated us just like everybody else.

- Mildred S. Dresselhaus

Boss, Everybody, Very, Everybody Else

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