An Intellectual Power Couple; A Reminder of the Abelson’s Legacy
Did you know the creators of the atomic submarine and the test for the Rh blood factor, both went to Washington State University? Philip and Neva Abelson’s scientific contributions were impactful worldwide— they dedicated their lives to research, innovation, and public service, including giving back to their alma mater, WSU.
Abelson’s parents, WSU students themselves, built their house where Fulmer Hall now stands today. Philip Abelson, followed in their footsteps and attended WSU, studying physics and chemistry, which is where he met Neva; and their chemistry only flourished from there.
After he received his master’s degree from WSU in 1935, Abelson was eager to team up with the nation’s top scientists. His passion to learn was boundless. He continued his education at UC Berkley, earning his doctorate in nuclear physics. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, throughout his career, Abelson was also awarded three honorary degrees, from Yale, Tufts and Duke University.
Fueling Innovation: Philip Abelson’s Role in Nuclear Science and National Progress
Not every WSU graduate can say they’ve helped discover an element on the periodic table, but that’s what Philip Abelson did while working as an assistant physicist, co-discovering Neptunium while at the Carnegie Institution of Washington D.C. in 1940. In 1941, Abelson used his expertise in nuclear physics to invent the process for producing uranium hexafluoride — a necessary step for generating nuclear fuel — while at the Naval Research Laboratory. His findings also contributed to the Manhattan Project during World War II.
Abelson’s interest in nuclear fuel and work with the U.S. Navy, helped with the development of the atomic submarine. Abelson’s concept of using nuclear power to propel a submarine became a reality with the development of the USS Nautilus, the first atomic submarine. Abelson’s work spanned across scientific disciplines, his different discoveries and research show that he cared about practical education and innovative research across scientific specialties and that he was dedicated to making the world a better place, contributing scientific and editorial articles on subjects like medical research and national energy policies.
Abelson was the editor of Science magazine from 1962-1984, dedicating his time to writing, reading, and interviewing experts. Abelson wanted to give back to the academic community and further academic engagement, which is why he and his wife, Neva, both did so much to further the research of others.
Breaking Barriers in Medicine: Neva Abelson’s Lifesaving Contributions to Science
Neva Abelson was a renowned scientist in her own right; she didn’t break scientific barriers, she shattered them. After graduating from WSU with her bachelor’s in chemistry, Neva went on to become one of the first women to graduate from Johns Hopkins University with a medical degree — something she was able to do through the support of an educational endowment. As a medical researcher and pediatrician, Neva revolutionized bloodwork studies.
Neva was the co-developer of a single test for the Rh blood factor, a discovery that has saved millions of adults and infants as well as helped with safe blood transfusions world-wide — a practice that continues to today. As a professor of clinical pathology at the University of Pennsylvania, Neva conducted bloodwork research. In 1974, she published, Topics in Blood Banking, a book that became a vital resource in the medical field.
Neva was a great writer who also had a curiosity for the unknown, which is probably why Philip was able to produce so many editorials for Science magazine each week. That’s right, Philip stated that during his 22 years as editor of Science magazine, Neva often proofread his work and typed out many of Philip’s editorials. Can you imagine the intellectual conversations between these two?
Pillars of Progress: Celebrating WSU’s Most Influential Scientific Duo
Philip Abelson has been nationally recognized in the world of science, earning some of the highest honors in the field. WSU president Rawlins praised and acknowledged Philip’s accomplishments in an WSU obituary, “Dr. Abelson is clearly one of the most distinguished graduates in the history of Washington State University. He maintained contact with the university and was helpful to generations of our faculty and students.” Neva Abelson was nationally recognized with major awards for her life saving bloodwork. She received both the Emily Cooley Memorial Award from the American Association of Blood Banks, and the Regent’s Distinguished Alumnus Award.
In 1990, Neva and Philip Abelson continued their legacy at WSU by establishing graduate fellowship endowments that provide funding for numerous science students each year. In 2001, Philip Abelson also initiated the Paul Anderson Distinguished Professorship of Physics endowment and honored his mother with a graduate fellowship in the College of Liberal Arts. In 2002, WSU renamed the former Science Hall building as Abelson Hall in honor of WSU’s most influential couple. James F. Short, Jr. a professor of Emeritus of Sociology at WSU stated, “I cannot think of a better solution to the anachronism than to name the building that has born that appellation for two of the most renowned scientists ever to have matriculated here and who have contributed in so many ways to this institution.”
This intellectual dynamic duo embodied the very spirit of Washington State University’s mission. Both Abelson’s were champions of discovery who believed that the pursuit of knowledge was rooted in following one’s own inclinations and curiosity. The Abelson’s generosity and dedication to education reflect the university's commitment to enriching lives and empowering future generations of scholars, making them a cornerstone of WSU’s proud legacy.
