Carolyn Parker

Carolyn Beatrice Parker (November 18, 1917 – March 17, 1966) was a teacher and research physicist who contributed to the Dayton Project from 1943 to 1947, an initiative within the Manhattan Project focused on polonium development. Parker was among the few African American scientists and technicians on the Manhattan Project.

Beginning her academic career, Parker taught at public schools in Florida after obtaining her undergraduate degree at Fisk University. Following her work on the Dayton project, she pursued an academic career, taking on the role of assistant professor in physics at Fisk University. Parker earned two master's degrees, one in mathematics from the University of Michigan in 1941 and one in physics from MIT in 1951. Parker went on to pursue a doctorate in physics at MIT but was derailed by leukemia, an occupational risk for workers on the Dayton Project. She died from leukemia at the age of 48.

Parker is celebrated as the first African-American known to have obtained a postgraduate degree in physics. The Carolyn Beatrice Parker Elementary School and Park in Gainesville were renamed in her honor. Provided by Wikipedia