February 21

Sethus Calvisius was born in 1556 in Thuringia and studied at the University of Wittenberg. He served as cantor in Leipzig, where he published influential works on Gregorian chant and counterpoint. Calvisius was an accomplished astronomer, producing calendars, eclipse predictions, and advocating for reform. Appointed Thomaskantor, he elevated Leipzig’s musical traditions and wrote theoretical treatises on rhythm and tuning. His interdisciplinary career bridged science and the arts, embodying the Renaissance spirit until his death in 1615.

In 1816 Ronalds constructed the earliest working electric telegraph at the Kew Observatory, laying the foundation for modern telecommunications. He devised continuous recording meteorological instruments and published pioneering work on atmospheric observations. Knighted in 1870, he later served as an adviser to the British Admiralty and directed India’s surveying operations. His inventions and meticulous scientific recordings influenced both engineering and weather science. Ronalds’ interdisciplinary achievements earned him recognition from the Royal Society and cemented his reputation as a visionary inventor.

Harry Stack Sullivan was an American psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who pioneered interpersonal theory in mental health. Born in 1892, he conducted groundbreaking research on schizophrenia, emphasizing the role of social relationships in personality development and psychopathology. Sullivan's work challenged the prevailing Freudian focus on the unconscious, arguing that interpersonal interactions shape the self. He introduced concepts such as the 'good me, bad me, and not me' to describe aspects of self-identity and developed innovative approaches to therapy, including group and community modalities. Sullivan taught at various psychiatric institutions and authored influential texts such as 'The Interpersonal Theory of Psychiatry.' His theories laid the foundation for modern approaches to relational therapy and continue to inform contemporary psychiatric practice.

Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar was appointed the first Director of India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in 1940, laying the foundation for organized scientific research in the country. He established numerous national laboratories focused on chemical, metallurgical, and pharmaceutical research. His work advanced colloid chemistry and pharmaceutical science in India. Bhatnagar served as a professor at the Banaras Hindu University and mentored many young scientists. He received the Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire (KCIE) for his contributions to science. His legacy lives on through the Bhatnagar Award, one of India's most prestigious science honors.

Henrik Dam conducted pioneering research on blood coagulation, leading to the discovery of vitamin K in 1929. He shared the 1943 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Edward Doisy for elucidating the role of vitamin K in prothrombin synthesis. Dam's work at the University of Copenhagen combined biochemistry and physiology to advance nutritional science. He later served as a professor and influenced generations of researchers. His findings led to a deeper understanding of fat-soluble vitamins and their impact on health. Dam's contributions remain fundamental to clinical nutrition and hematology.

Arthur Darby Nock served as Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge, a post he held from 1934 until his death in 1963. He was a leading authority on the history of religious ideas in the Greco-Roman world. Nock's publications, including 'Conversion' and 'Pagan Survivals in Christian Spain', remain influential in religious studies. He contributed to the Journal of Theological Studies and edited the journal 'Religion' for many years. His work combined rigorous philological analysis with broad historical perspective. Nock's lectures attracted students worldwide and helped shape modern approaches to the study of religion.

Jean Tatlock graduated from Stanford University and completed her medical training at the University of California, San Francisco. She specialized in psychiatry and worked at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Clinic. A committed member of the Communist Party USA, Tatlock was active in left-wing political circles during the 1930s. She formed a significant personal relationship with physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer while he developed the atomic bomb. Struggling with depression, she tragically died by suicide in 1944. Tatlock's life and work have inspired numerous biographies and dramatizations, highlighting her complex legacy.

Richard T. Whitcomb worked at NASA's Langley Research Center and pioneered key innovations in aerodynamics. His area rule reduced transonic drag and enabled faster, more efficient aircraft. He also developed the supercritical wing, improving lift-to-drag ratios and fuel efficiency. Whitcomb's research earned him the National Medal of Science and induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He published extensively and mentored future engineers. Whitcomb's inventions revolutionized both military and commercial aviation before his death in 2009.

Dorothy Blum was a pioneering figure at the National Security Agency, where she led efforts to integrate computer technology into cryptanalysis. She contributed to early programming languages and promoted the use of COBOL for government contracts. Blum pushed for modern data processing systems, significantly improving codebreaking efficiency. She held leadership roles in the NSA's Research and Development division. Her work laid the foundation for contemporary cybersecurity practices. Blum's achievements opened doors for women in computing before her untimely death in 1980.

Thelma Estrin led the development of one of the first computerized hospital information systems, revolutionizing patient data management. At UCLA, she founded and chaired the Biomedical Computing Department, integrating engineering with medical research. Estrin's early work on image analysis and signal processing advanced neurology and speech research. She played a key role in establishing computer science as an academic discipline and advocated for women in STEM. Her interdisciplinary approach influenced both computing and healthcare. Estrin passed away in 2014, remembered as a trailblazer in biomedical engineering.

Tony Martin was born in Trinidad and later moved to the United States to pursue higher education. He earned his Ph.D. in African History and taught at institutions including Wellesley College and Rutgers University. Martin became internationally renowned for his scholarship on Marcus Garvey and Black nationalism, notably in his book "Race First". He held leadership positions in organizations promoting African and Caribbean heritage studies. His writings challenged established historical narratives and influenced the development of Black Studies programs. Despite controversies surrounding some of his viewpoints, his dedication to Pan-African scholarship left a lasting impact. He passed away in 2013, remembered as a passionate educator and historian.

Elliot Hirshman is an American psychologist and academic administrator. He earned his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Carnegie Mellon University. Hirshman served as provost and executive vice provost at George Mason University. In 2011, he became the president of San Diego State University, overseeing significant growth. He led initiatives to expand research funding and student success programs. Under his leadership, SDSU achieved record enrollment and fundraising milestones. Hirshman later returned to Carnegie Mellon as a senior advisor on higher education. He is recognized for his scholarship in memory and learning, as well as his administrative impact.