Morawetz, Cathleen Synge (1923–)

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Morawetz, Cathleen Synge (1923–)

American mathematician. Born Cathleen Synge, May 5, 1923, in Toronto, Canada; dau. of John Light Synge (mathematician) and Eleanor Mabel Allen Synge; m. Herbert Morawetz (chemist), Oct 28, 1945; children: 4.

Became naturalized US citizen (1950); served as research associate (from 1952), professor (from 1965), and director (from 1984) of New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences (1st woman head of an American mathematical institute); served as chair of women's committee of American Mathematical Society; named Outstanding Woman Scientist by Association for Women in Science; was the 2nd woman elected president of American Mathematical Society (1995); was the 1st woman awarded National Medal of Science for mathematics (highest honor in science and technology in US).