The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much

The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much

Mildred Dresselhaus
22/09/2025
22/09/2025

The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.

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The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination.
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much
The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much

The words of Mildred Dresselhaus, “The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much attention to it. I was fascinated because it had a linear E versus K while everything else that people were working on at that time had a quadratic dispersion relationship. I wondered why this was and what was so special about it. That was my fascination,” reveal the spirit of a seeker who gazed where others passed by. She speaks of the ancient calling of science: to behold what seems ordinary, yet perceive within it a mystery worthy of devotion.

The world ignored graphene, dismissing it as a curiosity, a note in the margins of knowledge. But Dresselhaus, with eyes of wonder, discerned the difference: where others saw the familiar curve of the quadratic, she beheld the rare straight line of E versus K, a sign that nature whispered something extraordinary. This is the mark of genius — to question why, when all others are content with what is.

The dispersion relationship, hidden in the language of physics, is the secret rhythm of matter itself. To notice its variance is to hear the song of creation sung in a different key. And where the chorus of the many sang quadratic, graphene alone sang linear — and this rare voice drew her in. Such is the path of discovery: the smallest deviation can open a doorway to worlds unseen.

Thus, her fascination was not fleeting curiosity, but the beginning of a legacy. What others ignored, she pursued, and in doing so she helped unveil the wonders of a material that would later promise to change technology, energy, and medicine. To future generations, let this be a teaching: greatness is often born not from the obvious, but from the humble anomaly, the quiet pattern that others overlook. To wonder at these is the first step toward revelation.

Mildred Dresselhaus
Mildred Dresselhaus

American - Scientist November 11, 1930 - February 20, 2017

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Have 4 Comment The concept of graphene came along in 1947, but nobody paid much

LNLenh Nguyen

Mildred Dresselhaus’ story about being fascinated by graphene because of its unique properties really shows how curiosity and attention to detail can lead to groundbreaking discoveries. Her ability to recognize the difference in graphene’s behavior, while others overlooked it, is inspiring. How important is it for scientists to follow their curiosity, even when others might dismiss an idea as insignificant? Do you think curiosity-driven research is often undervalued in favor of more practical or mainstream approaches?

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TNAnh Tu Ngo

What I find so interesting about this quote is how Mildred Dresselhaus was drawn to graphene because it broke away from the norm. The linear E versus K relationship was a key feature that piqued her curiosity, but it makes me wonder—how often do we focus so much on what's already been established that we miss the true potential in things that are different or unconventional? What’s the value in questioning established norms?

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TNTu Nguyet

Dresselhaus’ fascination with graphene’s linear dispersion relationship is a perfect illustration of how true innovation often comes from questioning the status quo. At the time, everyone was working on quadratic relationships, yet she saw something different. How often do we dismiss ideas that don’t fit within the existing frameworks of our understanding? Is it possible that breakthroughs like graphene are only recognized by those who dare to think differently?

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TNThuuPhuong Nguyen

Mildred Dresselhaus’s fascination with graphene and its unique linear E versus K relationship is a great example of scientific curiosity. The fact that something so groundbreaking was initially overlooked makes me wonder how many potentially revolutionary discoveries have been ignored throughout history. Do you think scientists often overlook unconventional ideas, and how do we ensure that innovation isn’t lost due to conventional thinking or lack of attention?

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