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Early Life
Early Life
Where did J Ernest Wilkins Jr grow up?
Wilkins was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 27, 1923 to Lucile Beatrice Robinson Wilkins who held a master's degree and taught in the Chicago Public School system. His father, J. Ernest Wilkins, a prominent attorney, was assistant Secretary of Labor during the Dwight D. Eisenhower administration.
Family Life
Family Life
Wilkins had two children with his first wife Louise Steward, whom he married in June 10, 1947. Wilkins married Maxine G. Malone in 1984. He was married a third time to Vera Wood Anderson in Chicago in September 2003.
Education & Career
Education & Career
Wilkins completed his BA in mathematics at the University of Chicago. He went on to earn an MS and PhD in mathematics at the same institution, which he completed in 1941 and 1942.
Impact on his field
Impact on his field
Wilkins had a widely varied career, spanning seven decades and including significant contributions to pure and applied mathematics, civil and nuclear engineering, and optics. Wilkins was one of the African American scientists and technicians on the Manhattan Project during the Second World War.
What are three interesting facts about this person?
What are three interesting facts about this person?
The first African American to hold a sub-cabinet position in the U.S. government.
He has 3 grandchildren two great-grandchildren.
He taught mathematics for 1 year at the Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama.
What are three words you could use to describe this person?
What are three words you could use to describe this person?
Genius , Inspiring , Thoughtful
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