Notable Theses in Scientific History

Introduction

• Writing a thesis is a significant step in a scientist's career.
• Rare cases where student theses have had a huge global impact.
• Some students' work has led to Nobel Prizes.
• Elements of success include skill, determination, supervisor input, and luck.

Paul Dirac - Quantum Mechanics (1926)

• Thesis Title: Quantum Mechanics
• Submitted at: Cambridge University
• Significance: First thesis on quantum mechanics, introduced by Heisenberg a year earlier.
• Content:
  • Algebraic axioms, motion of a particle, hydrogen spectrum.
  • Development of Dirac delta functions and Dirac equation.
• Impact:
  • Merged quantum mechanics with special relativity.
  • Led to discovery of the positron.
  • Nobel Prize in Physics (1933).

Cecilia Payne - Stellar Atmospheres (1925)

• Thesis Title: Stellar Atmospheres
• Submitted at: Harvard College Observatory
• Significance: Changed understanding of stars' composition.
• Discovery: Sun made mostly of helium and hydrogen.
• Challenges: Faced doubts from senior colleagues.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell - Pulsars (1968)

• Thesis Title: The Measurement of Radio Source Diameters
• Submitted at: Cambridge University
• Significance: Discovery of pulsars.
• Challenges: Initially dismissed by senior colleagues, overlooked by Nobel committee.
• Recognition: Later won awards for her contribution.

Claude Shannon - Logic Circuits (1936)

• Thesis Title: A Symbolic Analysis of Relay and Switching Circuits
• Significance: Laid groundwork for digital computing logic using Boolean algebra.
• Impact: Considered the most important master's thesis in history.

John Nash - Game Theory (1950)

• Thesis Title: Non-Cooperative Games
• Submitted at: Princeton University
• Significance: Introduced Nash Equilibrium, foundational in game theory.
• Impact: Nobel Prize in Economics (1994).

Marie Curie - Radioactivity (1903)

• Thesis Title: Research on Radioactive Substances
• Significance: Discovery of polonium and radium.
• Recognition: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1903).

Carol Grider - Telomerase (1987)

• Thesis Title: Identification and Characterization of Telomere Terminal Transferase
• Significance: Discovery of telomerase, impacting study of aging and cancer.
• Recognition: Nobel Prize in Medicine (2009).

Donna Strickland - Laser Pulses (1988)

• Thesis Title: Development of an Ultra-Bright Laser
• Significance: Developed chirped pulse amplification for lasers.
• Recognition: Nobel Prize in Physics (2018).

Commonalities and Challenges

• Timing: Working at the right time is crucial for discovering breakthroughs.
• Risks: Pursuing groundbreaking ideas involves risks and uncertainties.
• Human Factors: Importance of choosing the right mentor and overcoming biases.

Exclusions and Alternative Paths

• Alternative Assessments: Other methods of education in different cultures, e.g., debates.
• Notable Exclusions: Scientists like C.V. Raman and Satyendra Nath Bose who contributed significantly without PhDs.

Conclusion

• Impactful theses often result from a combination of timing, risk-taking, and mentorship.
• Science is about trial and error, and sometimes students make history.

Acknowledgments

• Thanks to Patreon supporters and a special mention to Onyx, the Patreon cat of the day.