Mary Ellen Rickett | |
---|---|
Born | 4 March 1861 |
Died | 20 March 1925 |
Nationality | British |
Alma mater | Bedford College, London Newnham College, University of Cambridge |
Occupation | Mathematician |
Known for | First Wrangler of Newnham |
Mary Ellen Rickett (4 March 1861 – 20 March 1925) was a British mathematician who worked for many years on the staff of Newnham College, University of Cambridge.
After being educated at a private school,[1] Rickett earned a bachelor's degree from Bedford College, London, part of the University of London, in 1881, and was the first woman to win the gold medal of the University of London.[2]
She studied at Newnham College beginning in 1882, and took both the Classical Tripos in 1884 and the Mathematical Tripos in 1885 and 1886.[1] In the Mathematical Tripos, her score was next after the 24th Wrangler (and before the 25th Wrangler), making her first Wrangler of Newnham.[1][3] In 1893, she was elected one of the first thirty associates of the college.[1]
She became a lecturer in mathematics at Newnham College in 1886,[2][1] associate of the college in 1893,[1] acting vice-principal of Old Hall in 1889,[2] and permanent vice-principal in 1895.[1] At Newnham, she coached Philippa Fawcett to become the first woman to get the highest score on the Mathematical Tripos, in 1890.[4] Rickett retired in 1908.[2]