Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler, born on May 5, 1883, was an American mathematician whose pioneering contributions to functional analysis and infinite-dimensional linear spaces have left a lasting impact on the field. As a trailblazer for women in mathematics, Wheeler’s life and career were marked by both significant achievements and personal challenges. This article explores her life, academic accomplishments, and the historical context that shaped her journey.
Early Life and Education
Anna Johnson was born in rural Iowa, the daughter of Swedish immigrants who had settled in the United States a decade before her birth. Her family relocated to Akron, Iowa, when she was nine years old, where Anna attended a private school. Even as a young girl, she exhibited an exceptional aptitude for mathematics, a subject that would become her lifelong passion.
In 1899, Anna enrolled at the University of South Dakota, where her mathematical talents quickly became apparent. It was here that she met Alexander Pell, a mathematics professor who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in the field. With Pell’s guidance, Anna excelled in her studies, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1903.
Advanced Studies and Early Career
Following her graduation, Anna Johnson received a scholarship to continue her studies at the University of Iowa. There, she completed her master’s degree in 1904, presenting a thesis on the extension of the theory of Galaxies to linear differential equations. Her academic journey then took her to Radcliffe College, where she studied under prominent mathematicians Maxime Bôcher and William Fogg Osgood.
In 1905, Anna was awarded the Alice Freeman Palmer Scholarship, which allowed her to study at the University of Göttingen in Germany, one of the leading centers for mathematical research at the time. At Göttingen, she attended lectures by some of the most influential mathematicians of the era, including David Hilbert, Felix Klein, Hermann Minkowski, and Karl Schwarzschild. It was during this period that Anna began working on her doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Hilbert.
Personal Life and Marriage to Alexander Pell
While at Göttingen, Anna was visited by Alexander Pell, her former professor, who had traveled to Germany with the intention of proposing marriage. The two were married shortly thereafter, and Anna took on the name Anna Johnson Pell. Following their marriage, the couple returned to the United States, where Alexander Pell had become the dean of engineering at the University of South Dakota.
Anna continued her academic work, teaching courses in function theory and differential equations. Despite her growing responsibilities as a professor and her role as a wife, Anna remained deeply committed to her research. However, her academic progress was temporarily halted when she experienced a professional disagreement with Hilbert during a subsequent visit to Göttingen in 1908. As a result, she returned to the United States without completing her doctorate.
Doctorate and Academic Career
Back in the United States, Anna resumed her studies at the University of Chicago, where she became a student of the renowned mathematician Eliakim Hastings Moore. In 1909, she successfully completed her Ph.D. with a dissertation titled “Biorthogonal Systems of Functions with Applications to the Theory of Integral Equations.” This work was groundbreaking and laid the foundation for much of her later research in functional analysis.
Following the completion of her doctorate, Anna began her teaching career at Mount Holyoke College in 1911. Her reputation as a brilliant mathematician continued to grow, leading to her appointment at Bryn Mawr College in 1918. Bryn Mawr, known for its strong support of women in academia, provided Anna with an environment in which she could thrive. She quickly became an integral part of the mathematics department and was recognized for her ability to inspire and mentor young women interested in pursuing careers in mathematics.
Leadership and Legacy at Bryn Mawr
In 1924, Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler was appointed as the head of the mathematics department at Bryn Mawr College, succeeding Charlotte Angas Scott. The following year, she was named a full professor, making her one of the most prominent female mathematicians in the United States at that time.
Anna’s leadership at Bryn Mawr was marked by her dedication to fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for her students. She played a crucial role in maintaining the college’s reputation as a leading institution for women in mathematics. Under her guidance, Bryn Mawr became a hub for mathematical research and education, attracting students and scholars from across the country.
Personal Losses and Challenges
Despite her professional success, Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler faced significant personal challenges during this period. In 1920, her husband Alexander Pell passed away, leaving her to navigate the difficulties of widowhood while maintaining her academic responsibilities. Four years later, Anna married Arthur Wheeler, a mathematician associated with Princeton University. However, their marriage was short-lived, as Arthur Wheeler died in 1932.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Anna endured a series of personal losses, including the deaths of her parents, both of her husbands, and several close friends. One of the most significant losses came in 1935 when her colleague and collaborator, Emmy Noether, passed away. Noether, a groundbreaking mathematician in her own right, had worked closely with Anna at Bryn Mawr, and her death was a profound blow to Anna both personally and professionally.
Contributions to Mathematics
Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler’s contributions to mathematics were substantial, particularly in the area of functional analysis. Her research on integral equations and infinite-dimensional linear spaces was highly influential, and she played a key role in the development of functional analysis as a distinct field of study. Her work was pioneering at a time when the discipline was still in its infancy, and her insights helped to shape the direction of mathematical research in the 20th century.
One of the most significant honors of Anna’s career came in 1927 when she became the first woman to deliver the Colloquium Lectures at the American Mathematical Society (AMS). This prestigious series of lectures is one of the highest honors a mathematician can receive, and Anna’s selection for this role was a testament to her standing in the mathematical community. Her lectures focused on the application of biorthogonal systems to integral equations, reflecting her deep expertise in this area.
Influence on Future Generations
Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler’s impact extended beyond her own research. As a mentor and educator, she inspired generations of women to pursue careers in mathematics. Her dedication to teaching and her commitment to supporting young scholars left a lasting legacy at Bryn Mawr and beyond. Many of her students went on to achieve significant success in their own right, contributing to the advancement of mathematics and continuing the work that Anna had begun.
In addition to her teaching, Anna was active in several professional organizations, including the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America. She was a vocal advocate for the inclusion of women in mathematics and worked tirelessly to promote greater opportunities for women in the field.
Retirement and Later Years
Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler retired from her position at Bryn Mawr College in 1948, concluding a distinguished career that had spanned nearly four decades. Even in retirement, she remained engaged with the mathematical community, continuing to attend conferences and correspond with colleagues. Her contributions to mathematics and her role as a pioneer for women in the field were widely recognized, and she continued to be celebrated for her achievements.
Anna passed away on March 26, 1966, at the age of 82. Her death marked the end of an era, but her legacy lived on through the many students and colleagues she had mentored and the lasting impact of her research.
Historical Context and Legacy
Understanding Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler’s life and work requires an appreciation of the historical context in which she lived. The early 20th century was a time of significant social and cultural change, but it was also a period when opportunities for women in academia were limited. Despite these challenges, Anna persevered, breaking barriers and achieving success in a field dominated by men.
Her career reflects the broader struggles and triumphs of women in mathematics during this period. Anna’s achievements were not only a testament to her own abilities but also a reflection of the slow but steady progress being made toward greater gender equality in the academic world.
Today, Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler is remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of women mathematicians. Her contributions to functional analysis continue to be recognized, and her legacy as a mentor and educator endures. She remains an inspiring figure, demonstrating the power of determination, intellect, and passion in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
Conclusion
Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler was a mathematician of extraordinary talent and vision. Her pioneering work in functional analysis and her role as a mentor to generations of women mathematicians have left a lasting legacy. As one of the first women to achieve prominence in the field, Anna’s life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of breaking down barriers.
Her story is not just one of personal achievement but also one of the broader struggle for gender equality in academia. Through her work, Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler helped to change the face of mathematics, opening doors for future generations and proving that women could excel in even the most challenging fields.
As we look back on her life, we are reminded of the importance of supporting and encouraging diversity in all areas of study. Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler’s legacy serves as an inspiration to all who seek to push the boundaries of knowledge and make their mark on the world.
