Sophia Kovalevskaya (mathematician)

Sophia Kovalevskaya (1850-1891) was a pioneering Russian mathematician and the first woman to earn a doctorate in mathematics in modern Europe. She made significant contributions to analysis, partial differential equations, and mechanics. Her work on the rotation of rigid bodies advanced mathematical physics and earned her a place in history as a notable academic figure. Kovalevskaya also advocated for women in science, breaking societal barriers of her time. She was awarded the prestigious Prix Bordin for her research and became the first woman professor in Northern Europe, paving the way for future generations of female mathematicians.