Irene Fischer is a pioneer in geoid studies and goedesy – the science of accurately measuring and understanding the earth’s geometric shape, its orientation in space, and its gravity field. Irene studied mathematics at the University of Vienna, with a focus on geometry, geography, and natural sciences. In 1938, Irene fled Nazi Austria with her family and moved to the United States. Irene went on to have a 25-year federal career at the Army Map Service, where she was instrumental in the creation of the Word Geodetic System. Irene was one of only two women in the field of geodesy and her work helped the Mercury and Apollo moon missions. Irene received the Distinguished Civilian Service Award in 1967 for her work.
