Edward Bouchet

Physicist and educator, first Black PhD

Edward Bouchet - Physicist and educator, first Black PhD
Born

September 15th, 1852
173 years ago

Died

1918
107 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

Graduated from Yale University in 1874, becoming the first African American to earn a doctorate in a science field. Bouchet's dissertation focused on the conduction of electricity through gases. He taught physics and chemistry for several years at various institutions, including the Institute for Colored Youth in Philadelphia. His career largely focused on education and mentorship in the sciences, aiming to increase access to education for African Americans during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

First African American to earn a PhD in physics

Dissertation on conduction of electricity through gases

Teaching at the Institute for Colored Youth

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