In honor of Women’s History Month, it would only be right to shine a light on a few women who have made drastic impacts in the chemistry field. Women have always been in a constant battle to be more represented in the STEM fields, and chemistry is no exception.
Irène Joliot-Curie
Beginning with Irène Joliot-Curie born in 1897, made the discovery that radioactive elements can be artificially produced from stable elements. This discovery helped in the development of nuclear energy and the atomic bomb during World War II, and it earned her the 1953 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. Her interest in chemistry did not stop there, as she continued to research other topics, as well. She also discovered the positron and neutron, researched the action of neutrons on heavy metals, looked into natural and artificial radioactivity, and explored the transmutation of elements. Her work paved the way for numerous medical advances, especially in cancer. Sadly, Curie passed away at the age of 57 from leukemia.
Marie Maynard Daly
The next brilliant chemist, Marie Maynard Daly born in 1921, was the first African-American woman to receive a chemistry doctorate in the United States. Daly helped to advance the representation of minorities in a very male-dominated field. Her efforts and dedication helped women and people of color in today’s society to go into these STEM fields. Daly used her knowledge of chemistry to research the link between high cholesterol and heart disease. This research has impacted the lives of millions of people worldwide and without her efforts we would not know how to help improve their lives. Just like Curie, Daly also passed away from cancer in 2003 at the age of 82.
Frances Arnold
Lastly, Frances Arnold born in 1979, conducted the first directed evolution of enzymes, which are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. This resulted in more environmentally friendly ways to manufacture pharmaceuticals, production of renewable fuels, and other chemical substances. Her techniques have paved the way for the creation of a new diabetes drug, Januvia. Her techniques can also be seen in metabolic pathways, genetic regulatory circuits, and organisms.
These were just a few of the very influential women in the field of chemistry, however, there are many more women who have changed chemistry who we don’t know about. Women like Curie, Daly, and Arnold have contributed to women’s impact in chemistry in today’s society.
