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Barbara Askins
Barbara Askins
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Brief
Known For
Invention of a method to enhance underexposed astronomical photographs, nicknamed the Askins Process. This invention greatly improved the visibility of faint objects in space, leading to the discovery of new information and advancing the field of astronomy. It also had medical and other applications.
Key Dates and Places
  • Born Date: 1939.
  • Born Place: Belfast, Tennessee.
Career
  • Past occupations: Chemist at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
  • Previous Place of Work: NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.
Achievements and Recognition
  • Awards: NASA's Inventor of the Year award in 1978. She was also inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2024.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (1961) and Master of Science in Chemistry (1966) from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Main Milestones
Birth of Barbara Askins
1939
Barbara Askins was born in Belfast, Tennessee. Details surrounding her early childhood are limited, but her later life suggests a strong aptitude for science and a determined spirit.
Early Career and Family
Early 1950s
Askins married and started a family early in life. For some time, she primarily focused on raising her children before returning to pursue her academic interests.
Returning to Education
1950s - 1960s
Motivated by a desire to pursue her scientific passions, Askins returned to school and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Joining NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
1960s
Askins began her career at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She worked as a physical scientist, focusing on chemical research and analysis. This provided the ideal backdrop for her later groundbreaking invention.
Development of Image Intensification Technique
1975
Askins invented a revolutionary method for improving underexposed photographs. By converting image density information into dots of varying sizes, then creating a second negative, the process drastically enhanced image clarity, revealing details that were previously invisible. This was particularly valuable for NASA's space exploration images.
Patent for Image Intensifier
1978
Askins received U.S. Patent 4,101,780 for her "Method of Obtaining Photographs of Developed Images Utilizing Radioactive Materials." This patented invention solidified her status as an innovator and allowed her image intensification technique to be adopted in various fields.
Application of Image Intensification Across Disciplines
Late 1970s Onward
Askins' invention found application far beyond space exploration. It proved invaluable in medical diagnostics, enhancing X-ray images and allowing doctors to detect smaller problems and thus make earlier diagnosis and treatment possible. It was also used for restoring old and faded photographs. The technology showcased the widespread applicability of her scientific breakthrough.
NASA Space Act Award
Unknown Date
Askins was recognized by NASA for her invention with the Space Act Award. This prestigious award acknowledged the significant contribution of her technology to NASA's mission and to society as a whole, recognizing her ingenious solution to a critical problem.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
2024 (Approximation)
Barbara Askins' image intensification technique remains relevant in various fields. Her dedication to science, especially while balancing family life, has inspired many women in STEM. She stands as a role model for future generations, proving that creativity, hard work, and a pursuit of knowledge can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
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American chemist

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Timelines
8

Personal Life and Relationships

Early Adulthood and Career Focus
1960s-1970s
During this period, Barbara prioritized her career at NASA, navigating the challenges of being a woman in a predominantly male field. Specific details about personal relationships during this time are not publicly available.
Later life details unavailable
Later Life
Details regarding Barbara Askins' personal life after her time at NASA are not public. She appears to have maintained a private life outside of her professional achievements.

Main milestones

Birth of Barbara Askins
1939
Barbara Askins was born in Belfast, Tennessee. Details surrounding her early childhood are limited, but her later life suggests a strong aptitude for science and a determined spirit.
Early Career and Family
Early 1950s
Askins married and started a family early in life. For some time, she primarily focused on raising her children before returning to pursue her academic interests.
Returning to Education
1950s - 1960s
Motivated by a desire to pursue her scientific passions, Askins returned to school and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry from the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Joining NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
1960s
Askins began her career at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. She worked as a physical scientist, focusing on chemical research and analysis. This provided the ideal backdrop for her later groundbreaking invention.
Development of Image Intensification Technique
1975
Askins invented a revolutionary method for improving underexposed photographs. By converting image density information into dots of varying sizes, then creating a second negative, the process drastically enhanced image clarity, revealing details that were previously invisible. This was particularly valuable for NASA's space exploration images.
Patent for Image Intensifier
1978
Askins received U.S. Patent 4,101,780 for her "Method of Obtaining Photographs of Developed Images Utilizing Radioactive Materials." This patented invention solidified her status as an innovator and allowed her image intensification technique to be adopted in various fields.
Application of Image Intensification Across Disciplines
Late 1970s Onward
Askins' invention found application far beyond space exploration. It proved invaluable in medical diagnostics, enhancing X-ray images and allowing doctors to detect smaller problems and thus make earlier diagnosis and treatment possible. It was also used for restoring old and faded photographs. The technology showcased the widespread applicability of her scientific breakthrough.
NASA Space Act Award
Unknown Date
Askins was recognized by NASA for her invention with the Space Act Award. This prestigious award acknowledged the significant contribution of her technology to NASA's mission and to society as a whole, recognizing her ingenious solution to a critical problem.
Legacy and Continuing Impact
2024 (Approximation)
Barbara Askins' image intensification technique remains relevant in various fields. Her dedication to science, especially while balancing family life, has inspired many women in STEM. She stands as a role model for future generations, proving that creativity, hard work, and a pursuit of knowledge can lead to remarkable accomplishments.

Recognition and Awards

NASA Space Act Award
1978
Askins received the NASA Space Act Award for her invention of the radiographic image enhancement technique. This prestigious award recognized the significant impact of her work on space exploration and other scientific fields.
Named Inventor of the Year
1978
Askins was named Inventor of the Year by the Association for the Advancement of Invention and Innovation. This recognition highlighted her significant contribution to technological advancement and innovation.
Continued Recognition within NASA
Later Career
Askins continued to receive recognition within NASA for her contributions to various projects. She was regarded as a valuable asset to the organization.

Early Life and Education

Born in Belfast, Tennessee
1939
Barbara Askins was born in Belfast, Tennessee. This rural background likely instilled in her a sense of resourcefulness and a practical approach to problem-solving, qualities that would later prove beneficial in her scientific endeavors.
Early Interest in Science
Early Years
While specific details are scarce regarding her childhood experiences, it is known that Barbara developed an early interest in science and mathematics, a trait that was often discouraged for women during that era.
High School Education
1950s
Barbara attended high school during the 1950s. Information on the specific high school is not public, but during this time she focused on courses in mathematics and sciences to continue her passion.
B.S. Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics
1959
Askins obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. This dual major provided her with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of science, which would be essential for her future work.

Legacy and Impact on Science

Impact on Radiographic Image Enhancement
1970s - Present
Askins' work on radiographic image enhancement has been used in countless applications since the time of her invention. It is still used in scientific research today, furthering humanity's understanding of many different topics.
Inspiration to Women in Science
1970s - Present
Askins inspired many women to seek out a place in the world of science. In a male-dominated field, she paved the way for women to make a difference in the world.

NASA Career and Scientific Contributions

Employment at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center
1960s
Askins began her career at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Initially, she worked as a mathematician and chemist on various projects related to space exploration. This early experience exposed her to the challenges of imaging in space.
Invention of Radiographic Image Enhancement Technique
1970s
Askins invented a method to enhance underexposed photographic negatives, particularly those taken in space. This technique revolutionized the way astronomers and scientists could analyze faint images, revealing previously unseen details.
Patent for Radiographic Image Enhancement Technique
1978
Askins was granted U.S. Patent 4,101,780 for her radiographic image enhancement technique. This patent solidified her contribution to the field and provided a basis for further development and application of her invention.
Continued Work at NASA and Refinement of Techniques
1980s - 1990s
Askins continued her work at NASA, focusing on refining and applying her image enhancement techniques to various scientific problems. Her work had a significant impact on medical imaging, leading to improvements in X-ray technology.

Impact on Medical Imaging

Adoption of Image Enhancement Technique in Medical Imaging
Late 1970s - Present
Askins' radiographic image enhancement technique was quickly adopted in the medical field. It significantly improved the quality of X-ray images, making it easier for doctors to diagnose medical conditions.
Improvements in X-ray Technology
1980s - Present
The application of Askins' technique led to significant improvements in X-ray technology, including reduced radiation exposure for patients and enhanced diagnostic accuracy. It remains a foundational technique in digital radiography.

Challenges and Obstacles Faced

Limited Opportunities for Women in STEM
1950s - 1960s
During the 1950s and 1960s, women faced significant barriers in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Societal expectations often steered women towards more traditional roles.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Workplace
Early Career at NASA
Askins likely encountered a male-dominated workplace at NASA, requiring her to overcome gender biases and demonstrate her competence and expertise in a challenging environment.
Advocating for her Invention
Securing Recognition for her Work
Inventors often face challenges in securing recognition and resources for their work. Askins, as a woman in a male-dominated field, likely had to advocate for her invention and demonstrate its value to a skeptical audience.
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Days in Chronicle
4
1 January, 1978
Barbara Askins was named the National Inventor of the Year by the Association for Advancement of Inventions and Innovations. This was a major recognition of her pioneering work in enhancing underexposed photographic negatives, especially given its importance to NASA and the medical industry. She was the first individual woman to receive this honor.
1 January, 1975
Barbara Askins joined NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. This marked a significant turn in her career, leading to her groundbreaking invention for enhancing underexposed photographic negatives.
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Barbara Askins

Barbara S. Askins (born 1939) is an American chemist. She is best known for her invention of a method to enhance underexposed photographic negatives. This development was used extensively by NASA and the medical industry, and it earned Askins the title of National Inventor of the Year in 1978.[1]

Key Information

Early years, education and early career

[edit]

Askins was born in Belfast, Tennessee, in 1939. She began her career as a teacher. After her two children entered school, Askins returned to college to complete her bachelor's degree in chemistry and earn her master's degree in chemistry. She joined NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in 1975.[2]

Research career

[edit]

Askins is a physical chemist who worked for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and is best known for her pioneering invention of a process in which "images on developed photographic emulsions can be significantly intensified by making the image silver radioactive and exposing a second emulsion to this radiation."[3] The resulting print, known as an autoradiograph, reproduces the image with significant increases in density and contrast. Her groundbreaking method enhanced underexposed emulsions and increased the limits of photographic detection. In short, it made visible the invisible in photos that would otherwise have been useless. This was very useful for a number of applications, including the coaxing of data from underexposed space images—such as those peering deep into space as well as those highlighting the geology of other bodies in the Solar System.[4]

Askins' invention also led to significant advances in the field of medical technology. In particular, Askins' method prompted improvements in the development of X-ray images. Medical images that were 96 percent underexposed suddenly become readable; this meant that doctors could dramatically decrease the amount of X-ray radiation they gave to patients when running routine or emergency tests.[5] Askins' process was also later used in the restoration of old photographs.[6] Askins patented her invention in 1978 (U.S. patent No. 4,101,780),[7] and NASA employed it extensively for its research and development work.[4]

Awards and professional memberships

[edit]

In 1978, the Association for Advancement of Inventions and Innovations named Askins the National Inventor of the Year.[6] She was the first individual woman to earn this honor.[4]

Askins is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Sigma Xi honorary research Society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the World Future Society.[5]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Zierdt-Warshaw, Linda; Winkler, Alan; Bernstein, Leonard, eds. (2000). "Askins, Barbara (n.d.)". American Women in Technology. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. p. 19. ISBN 1-57607-072-7.
  2. ^ "Barbara Askins | Lemelson".
  3. ^ Askins, Barbara S. (1 November 1976). "Photographic image intensification by autoradiography". Applied Optics. 15 (11): 2860–2865. Bibcode:1976ApOpt..15.2860A. doi:10.1364/ao.15.002860. PMID 20165502. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  4. ^ a b c "Barbara Askins: Inventor of a New Film Developing Method". Famous Women Inventors. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  5. ^ a b Stanley, Autumn (1993). Mothers and daughters of invention: notes for a revised history of technology. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press. pp. 574–575. ISBN 0813521971.
  6. ^ a b "Great Images in NASA - Barbara Askins, Chemist". Great Images in NASA. NASA. Archived from the original on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  7. ^ "Patent US4101780 Treating silver with a radioactive sulfur compound such as thiourea or derivatives". Google Patents. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
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This is a community hub built on top of the Barbara Askins Wikipedia article. Here, you can discuss, collect, and organize anything related to Barbara Askins. The purpose of the hub is to connect people, foster deeper knowledge, and help improve the root Wikipedia article.
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