Iris M. Ovshinsky

Iris M. Ovshinsky (July 13, 1927-August 16, 2006) was the co-founder of ECD Ovonics with her husband Stanford R. Ovshinsky, and served as Vice President from its founding in 1960 until her death.

Born Iris L. Miroy in New York, she earned a bachelor's degree in zoology [Rossiter, Joe. [http://www.redorbit.com/news/business/623486/iris_ovshinsky_partner_in_energy_life/index.html Iris Ovshinsky: Partner in Energy, Life] "Detroit Free Press", 2006-08-19. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.] from Swarthmore College in 1947, master's degree in biology from the University of Michigan in 1950, and doctorate in biochemistry in 1960McNeil, Taylor. [http://www.bu.edu/alumni/bostonia/2001/fall/profiles/energetic/index.html A Couple of Energetic Accomplishments] Fall 2001. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.] from Boston University. Prior to marrying Mr. Ovshinsky, her first marriage gave her a daughter and son, Robin and Steven Dibner, and she divorced in 1959. She married Stanford Ovshinsky in 1960, who had three sons, Ben, Harvey and Dale Ovshinsky. Mr. Ovshinsky is a prolific inventor, credited with inventing the nickel metal hydride battery, and amorphous materials used in a variety of products from flexible solar panels to rewritable CDs and DVDs. Disagreeing with his wife's downplaying of her contributions throughout their careers, Mr. Ovshinsky said she was a partner in everything they did, "a colleague and collaborator in my scientific activity. She's just too damn modest."

References

Peters, Jeremy W. [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/05/business/05ovshinsky.html?ex=1315108800&en=d3c9f314ba88ac69&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Iris M. Ovshinsky, 79, Partner in Cleaner Auto Technology, Is Dead] "The New York Times", 2006-09-05. Retrieved on 2007-08-08.