Martha Doan

From Wikipedia:
Martha Doan (June 6, 1872 – April 18, 1960) was an American chemist whose contributions include research in compounds of thallium, three published work, and tenure as a professor and dean at various institutions in the US. Throughout her lifetime she received four degrees, a B.S. and master's from Purdue, a B.L. from Earlham College, and a Sc.D. from Cornell.[1] She was a dean of women for two colleges, Earlham College and Iowa Wesleyan College.[1] In addition to her involvement in higher education, she was involved with several national organizations that involved chemistry and science. She was awarded a certificate for Outstanding Service to Science in 1951.[2] There is now a garden dedicated to her in her hometown of Westfield, Indiana, in honor of her interests in science, nature, and horticulture.[3] 

Early life

Born to Pheobe MacPherson and Abel Doan, Martha grew up in Westfield, Indiana. She was the oldest of seven children. Abel Doan was the president of the local bank, and the family was well known among the community.[4] Martha graduated from Union High School, a Quaker school which was known for helping students develop into leaders in many different fields of study.[1] After high school, Martha decided to pursue a college education. Her six younger siblings would also attend college.

Education and career

Martha Doan would eventually hold 4 collegiate level degrees. She earned her B.S. at age 19, from Purdue University.[1] Her next year of study would be directed at the pursuit of a B.L. from Earlham College in English Literature. Afterwards, she received an M.S. from Purdue.

Her final degree came from Cornell University. During her time at Cornell, she pursued a Doctorate of Science (Sc.D.) in chemistry. Her studies were funded by the Henry W. Sage Fellowship[5] offered to select graduate students at Cornell. Her work towards this advanced chemistry degree revolved around the research of thallium and related compounds. In 1896, the year that she received her Sc.D., she was listed as a co-author for a paper regarding the thallium related compounds, that would be published by the American Chemical Society.[1] She was the first woman to receive a doctoral degree in chemistry from Cornell.[1]

Another publication of Martha Doan's is the Index to Literature of Thallium 1861-1896. This index was unanimously recommended to the Smithsonian Institution by a committee from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.[6] It would go on to appear in Miscellaneous Collections at the Smithsonian Institution in 1899.[1] Her last publication was a translation of Radio Indicators and other selected topics in Inorganic Chemistry.

In addition to being a published chemist, Martha Doan taught for a majority of her life. Her first job in teaching was at Manual Training High School, in Indianapolis. She was then quickly offered a position at Vassar College, where she taught as an instructor for 14 years.[1][3] After teaching at Vassar College, she went on to be both a professor and dean of women at Earlham College. She stayed at Earlham until 1926. Three years later, she became a professor and dean of women for yet another College, Iowa Wesleyan College and held this position until 1937.[1][3] There were several occasions where she served as an active or assistant dean of women during summer semesters at other institutions. During her deanship's, there were no indicators of difficulties, and she concerned herself with expanding the available educational opportunities. Her pursuits as an administrator included further developing strong teaching, research, and university extension work.[1]

Recognition, honors and awards

Throughout her career, Martha was highly involved in several organizations in the scientific and academic realm. After retirement she was an active member of the community. Her dedication to science and academia earned her several honors and awards from various institutions.

From Purdue related Weebly website:

MARTHA DOAN

Creating equality for women has been a constant struggle throughout the past. The American Association of University Women (AAUW), officially founded in 1881, is a non-profit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research (aauw.org). Martha Doan graduated from Purdue with a BS in 1891. Martha worked as a professor of chemistry and the Dean of Women for Earlham College from 1915 until 1926. During this time, Martha became a member of the Advisory Committee for the Indiana Historical Commission and served as a delegate for the 1925 convention of the American Association of University Women. A few years after her death, the Martha Doan Memorial Garden in Westfield, Indiana was dedicated in her honor by the local Women's Club (collections.lib.purdue.edu). Martha should be remembered for her valiant effort to promote gender quality and ability to overcome those who push her back.

From Westfield City Website:

When Martha returned to Westfield, she became active with the Westfield Friends church and the Western Yearly Meeting.  She served as an Elder of the Westfield Friends church for many years and also served on the Committee on Training and Recording of Ministers for the Western Yearly Meeting.  Letters of Martha's indicate that she was genuinely interested in nature and horticulture.  Her brother John was a horticulture professor, and the two of them wrote often about the subject in their letters to one another.  It is this love of nature makes the dedication of a garden in her name an appropriate memorial to such an inspiring woman.