American geologist, educator, and polar explorer who led the first expedition to reach the South Pole by air and was a prominent figure in Antarctic research. He also served as president of Carleton College.
Laurence McKinley Gould, a renowned American geologist and polar explorer, left an indelible mark on the scientific community with his groundbreaking expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic regions. As chief scientist on Richard Evelyn Byrd's first Antarctic expedition, Gould's contributions to the field of geology and exploration are still celebrated today.
Gould was born on August 22, 1896, in Lacota, Michigan. After completing high school in South Haven, Michigan, he taught grades 1-8 in a one-room school for two years, saving money for college. In 1916, he enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he would go on to earn his B.S. degree in geology in 1921.
After graduating, Gould joined the University of Michigan faculty as a geology instructor, continuing his studies and earning an M.A. degree in 1923 and a D.Sc. degree in 1925. His dissertation on the geology of Utah's La Sal Mountains showcased his expertise in the field. He advanced to assistant professor in 1926 and to associate professor in 1930.
In the summer of 1926, Gould embarked on his first trip to the Arctic, serving as assistant director and geologist with the University of Michigan Greenland Expedition. The following summer, he was geographer and topologist for George P. Putnam's expedition to survey the Arctic region.
Gould's most notable expedition was as chief scientist on Richard Evelyn Byrd's first Antarctic expedition. This pioneering journey, which Gould documented in his 1931 book Cold: The Record of an Antarctic Sledge Journey, marked a significant milestone in Antarctic exploration.
Gould served as president of Carleton College from 1945 to 1962, and president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1964. His namesakes include the research vessel Laurence M. Gould, as well as Antarctic features such as Gould Bay, Gould Coast, and Mount Gould.
Laurence McKinley Gould's contributions to geology, exploration, and education have left a lasting impact on the scientific community. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists, explorers, and educators.
Born in 1888
Led the first flights over the North and South Poles, and explored Antarctica, expanding our knowledge of the world's most remote regions.
Born in 1868
Led a British expedition to the South Pole, racing against a Norwegian team, and tragically perished on the return journey. He is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice in the pursuit of scientific discovery.
Born in 1872
First person to reach the South Pole, leading a Norwegian expedition in 1911, and a pioneer in Arctic and Antarctic exploration.
Born in 1874
Led expeditions to the Antarctic, famously surviving a disastrous shipwreck and trekking to safety, earning a legendary reputation for bravery and leadership.
Born in 1856
Led the first expedition to reach the North Pole, claiming its discovery in 1909. He's remembered for his bravery and perseverance in the face of extreme Arctic conditions.
Born in 1800
Led British expeditions to the Arctic, discovering the North Magnetic Pole and the Ross Sea in Antarctica. He mapped much of the region, expanding knowledge of the polar regions.
Born in 1786
A British naval officer and politician who governed Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania) and led Arctic expeditions, known for his ill-fated quest to find the Northwest Passage.
Born in 1861
A Norwegian pioneer who explored the Arctic, made groundbreaking scientific discoveries, and championed humanitarian causes, earning a Nobel Prize for his efforts. He's most famous for being the first to cross Greenland and his innovative sled designs.
