Joseph Hirschfelder
Theoretical Chemistry and Physics
5/27/1911 – 3/30/1990
Key Achievement
Joseph Hirschfelder was one of the leading figures in theoretical chemistry during the period 1935 to 1990. His sustained research covered a variety scientific areas including chemical kinetics, chemical applications of quantum mechanics, combustion, nuclear explosions, kinetic theory of gases, intermolecular forces, structure of liquids, and laser chemistry.
Hirschfelder received many awards and honorary degrees. He was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1953. In 1975, he was awarded the National Medal of Science “for his fundamental contributions to atomic and molecular quantum mechanics, the theory of the rates of chemical reactions, and the structure and properties of gases and liquids.”
He left a valuable legacy of contribution to the careers of the following generation of physicists. He directed the Ph.D. theses of thirty-nine students and collaborated with over 100 postdoctoral students and visiting professors.
Connection to Wisconsin
After his undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota and Yale, Hirshfelder earned a double PhD in theoretical physics and chemistry at Princeton. He remained an additional year at Princeton as a postdoctoral fellow. In 1937 he, went to UW – Madison as a Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation research associate. With the exception of his World War II contributions, he continued his work at UW – Madison until his retirement in 1981.
For additional information, visit:
Joseph Oakland Hirschfelder Biographical Memoir – National Academy of Sciences (ebook)
Joseph O. Hirschfelder in Wikipedia
For additional information, visit:
Joseph Oakland Hirschfelder Biographical Memoir – National Academy of Sciences (ebook)
Joseph O. Hirschfelder in Wikipedia