Oswald Veblen

Oswald Veblen (June 24, 1880 – August 10, 1960) was an American mathematician, geometer and topologist, whose work found application in atomic physics and the theory of relativity.

During World War I, Veblen served first as a captain, later as a major in the United States Army.

In 1957 they donated 82 acres (33 ha) to establish the Herrontown Woods Arboretum, the first and one of the largest nature preserves in Princeton, New Jersey.

After his death the American Mathematical Society created an award in his name, called the Oswald Veblen Prize in Geometry.

In World War II he was involved in overseeing ballistics work at the Aberdeen Proving Ground that involved early modern computing machines, in particular supporting the proposal for creation of the pioneering ENIAC electronic digital computer.

[12][13] The Veblen Research Instructorship is a three-year position offered by the Department of Mathematics at Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study.