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National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

Kathleen Margaret (Kane) Maxwell (1918-2016) was born in North Dakota on July 23, 1918. She developed a strong interest in mathematics and physics. After graduating from the University of North Dakota in 1939, Kathleen earned her master’s degree in physics from Smith College.

During World War II, Maxwell worked on the Manhattan Project for the Kellex Corporation in Jersey City, New Jersey. The only female scientist in her division, she assisted in troubleshooting various operational, technical, and chemical challenges related to uranium enrichment, including fixing problems with faulty gaskets. “I have never been so absorbed in any one thing in my life,” she recalled about her work.

After the war, in addition to raising seven children, Maxwell served as a physics instructor, math tutor, and CFO of Hub Foundation, a pile driving and drilling company she co-founded with her husband, Francis. She passed away on May 31, 2016, at the age of 97. 

Kathleen Maxwell’s Timeline
1918 Jul 23rd Born in Minot, North Dakota.

1939 Received a B.S. from the University of North Dakota.

1942 Received a master’s degree in physics from Smith College.

19431945 Worked on the Manhattan Project for the Kellex Corporation in Jersey City, New Jersey.

1966 Co-founded the Hub Foundation Company and served as CFO.

2016 May 31st Died in Wellesley, Massachusetts at the age of 97.

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