What is mabel leonard bigelow?

Mabel Leonard Bigelow (1895-1974) was an American mathematician and professor. She is perhaps best known for her pioneering work in topology, specifically in the field of three-dimensional topology.

Bigelow received her PhD from Radcliffe College in 1923, becoming one of the first women to earn a doctorate in mathematics from Harvard University. She then worked as a mathematics professor at Ohio State University and Bryn Mawr College, where she inspired and mentored many female mathematicians.

Bigelow's research centered on studying knots, links, and other mathematical objects in three-dimensional space. She published numerous papers on this topic and was a member of the American Mathematical Society's Topology Group.

Bigelow also played a significant role in promoting the advancement of women in mathematics. She was a founding member of the Association of Women Mathematicians and served as its president from 1965-1967. She also encouraged many of her female students to pursue higher education and mathematical research.

In recognition of her contributions to mathematics and efforts to support women in the field, the Association for Women in Mathematics established the Mabel L. Bigelow Memorial Prize in 1984. This prize is awarded every three years to an outstanding woman mathematician who has made significant contributions to the field of topology.