NEW DELHI: Dr Maria Telkis was one of the first persons to work towards the utilisation of solar energy in our day-to-day activities. And Google has honoured the scientist on her 122nd birth anniversary with a doodle.
Maria Telkes was born in Budapest in Hungary in the December of 1900. She studied physical chemistry at the Eötvös Loránd University of Budapest and graduated in 1920. He was awarded her PhD in the year 1924. She moved to the United States the next year and finally got her US citizenship in 1937.
She was a member of the solar energy committee of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Working with the United States government, he created a solar-powered desalinator which could convert salt water into drinking water for the US Navy. It was instrumental in saving the lives of several soldiers during World War II.
Three years after getting US citizenship, she joined the ranks with architect Eleanor Raymond to create the Dover Sun House, the first home heated with solar energy. The success of this project made people believe in the endless possibilities of renewable energy and made "Solar Power" a household term. The house was successfully kept warm even through the harsh winter.
She also worked to create a solar-powered oven, the concept of which allowed the cooking of a very large array of cuisines from across the world. It helped with the nutritional needs of large populations, especially children. She was also one of the founders of solar thermal storage systems.
Dr Maria Telkes has over 20 patents to her name and had served as a consultant in several energy firms. She also has several awards to her name for her work towards the development of humanity.
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