The scientific staff of the Manhattan Project included Paul Olum, who transitioned from physics to a distinguished career in algebraic topology. Throughout a lifetime spanning 1918 to 2001, he combined rigorous mathematical research with academic administration, influencing the structure of higher education institutions across the United States while advocating for nuclear disarmament and social change.
Early Research and Mathematical Training
Born in Binghamton in 1918, Olum displayed an early aptitude for mathematics. He graduated summa cum laude from Harvard University in 1940 and earned an MA in physics at Princeton University by 1942. During the Second World War, he served at Los Alamos. After the conflict, he returned to Harvard to complete his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1947 under the supervision of Hassler Whitney. His research focus shifted to algebraic topology, specifically obstruction theory.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Cornell University and Institutional Reform
Olum joined the faculty at Cornell University in 1949, where he remained for twenty-five years. He founded the Cornell Topology Festival in 1962 and served as the Mathematics Department chair from 1963 to 1966. Following the campus unrest of 1969, he chaired a committee to overhaul university governance. His efforts led to the creation of a University Senate and enabled him to become the first Faculty Trustee elected by students in 1972.
Leadership at the University of Oregon
In 1976, Olum moved to the University of Oregon as provost, later serving as president from 1980 to 1989. During this tenure, he launched twenty research institutes and oversaw major capital projects, including a $34.6 million science complex and a $27 million library expansion. Despite forced retirement in 1989, he left behind a strengthened research profile. The university subsequently honored him by naming the Paul Olum Atrium and a research professorship after him.
Fast facts
- Born: 1918, Binghamton
- Died: 2001, Sharon
- Alma Mater: Harvard University, Princeton University
- Field: Algebraic topology
- President of the University of Oregon: 1980-1989
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What subjects did Paul Olum teach and research?
He focused on mathematics, specifically algebraic topology and obstruction theory.
Did Paul Olum work on the atomic bomb?
Yes, he was a member of the scientific staff at the Manhattan Project during his time at Los Alamos.
Achievements
- Held posts at Cornell University and University of Oregon
- Fields: topology
