Nina Byers

Nina was my Thesis advisor and contributed to my good life.

I was a Ph. D student with Nina. I remember her being easily accessible, especially for those of us that were at the University late at night. Nina was a great teacher and thought deeply about the problems in physics. She stressed the importance of character in becoming a researcher as opposed to following fashion. Intellectual honesty was a value she passed on. She always suggested the importance of following an idea, wherever it might lead and thus didn't really see physics as a cell one...

Dear Nina, you played a pivotal role in my life for which I will always be grateful. After I became your Ph.D. student in 1967 you invited me to spend the year with you in Oxford. My daughter Kristin was 6 months old so Pat and I were a bit reluctant to go. However, we did go and we experienced one of the best years of our lives. We have stayed in touch over the many years since. Last year I went to Caltech Alumni Day and enjoyed visiting you in the house in Santa Monica that you have lived...

Dear Nina,
I guess we won't be able to finish your biography after all. I was looking forward to hanging out with you.
Love,
Roger

Dear Nina. You were definitely one of a kind. You had such passion for what you believed in. Your contribution to physics and to women will always be remembered. I was honored to have had the opportunity to work with you on your "Contributions of Women in Science" site and your "Out of the Shadows" book. Goodbye my friend. Mary Jo