Short Wave The Queen of Nuclear Physics (Part Two): Forming Chien-Shiung Wu's Story
May 23, 2022
Jada Yuan, a reporter at the Washington Post and granddaughter of the famed physicist Chien-Shiung Wu, dives deep into her grandmother's incredible journey through nuclear physics. Jada reveals how she uncovered Wu's groundbreaking discoveries and their profound impact on science and women's representation in the field. She shares moving insights from her trip to China for a centennial celebration, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Asian American legacies. The conversation intertwines personal stories with Wu's lasting influence on future generations.
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A Grand Celebration
- Jada Yuan's family traveled to China for Dr. Wu's centennial jubilee, complete with banquets and songs.
- A three-story statue of Dr. Wu was unveiled, a moment both grand and slightly surreal for the family.
Early Education and Departure
- Dr. Wu's father and mother, advocates for girls' education, founded a school in their village.
- At age 10, she surpassed their teaching capacity and left for boarding school, fostering independence.
Joining the Manhattan Project
- Dr. Wu, initially planning to return to China after her PhD, joined the Manhattan Project.
- She deduced the project's nature from equations on a blackboard during her interview at Columbia University.