In Memoriam: Esther Marley Conwell, 1922-2014

Esther Conwell, research professor of chemistry and physics at the University of Rochester and a pioneer in the field of semiconductor research, died as a result of injuries from an automobile accident on November 16. She was 92 years old.

Professor Conwell had served on the University of Rochester faculty since 1998. While she no longer taught courses, she continued to conduct research and mentor students and faculty at the university. Before joining the faculty at the University of Rochester, she was a research scientist for Xerox, GTE, and Bell Laboratories. Dr. Conwell was a graduate of Brooklyn College of the City University of New York System. She earned a master’s degree at the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. She received the National Medal of Science from President Obama in 2010.

Joel Seligman, president of the University of Rochester, said in a statement: “Esther Conwell’s death is a tragic loss for the world of science, as well as for the university community. Professor Conwell’s many scientific contributions and her pioneering role as a leading woman in science made her a source of pride for our entire University of Rochester community. She was a deeply inspiring scientist for young women pursuing careers in science.”