STEMinism

Hi everyone! A little late for national Indigenous day in the USA, but today we are talking about Dr. Gladys Iola Tantaquidgeon, who was a Mohegan medicine woman, anthropologist, author, tribal council member, and elder. She was devoted to help minoritized women as well, so we think she was one of the first Steministas! Shoutout to the Smithsonian Instagram, who inspired this podcast episode. Also check out the Google website today, which is in honor of an Indigenous person, We:wa, a Zuni Native American who didn't identify with traditional gender definitions. So many more amazing people to research!Referenceshttps://www.mohegan.nsn.us/explore/heritage/memoriam/medicine-woman-gladys-tantaquidgeon-memorialhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladys_Tantaquidgeonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidelia_Fieldinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Dancehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_Dancehttps://connecticuthistory.org/gladys-tantaquidgeon-preserves-the-states-native-past/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/02/us/gladys-tantaquidgeon-106-mohegans-medicine-woman.htmlhttps://womenshistory.si.edu/herstory/object/gladys-tantaquidgeonhttps://www.fembio.org/english/biography.php/woman/biography/gladys-tantaquidgeon/

Little is known about Trota of Salerno - and some of what is may be false! What is true: she was a medical practitioner in the 11th and 12th centuries and wrote Practica Secundum Trotam (Book of Practical Medicine). What is false: she did not write the Trotula! Listen in to this episode to learn more facts and misinformation about Trota.ReferencesBenton, John F. “Trotula, Women’s Problems, and the Professionalization of Medicine in the Middle Ages.” Humanities Working Paper 98 (November 1984).Green, Monica. “Women’s Medical Practice and Health Care in Medieval Europe.” Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society 14, no. 2 (Winter 1989): 434-473.Green, Monica H. “The Development of the Trotula.” Revue d'histoire des textes 26 (1996): 119-203.Green, Monica H. “Who/What is ‘Trotula’?” Academia.edu. 2015.

Hi everyone, it's been a while again. Oh boy we've been busy. I bet you were too! We're back though with a new episode, this time a German/Swiss naturalist, entomologist (one of the first) and botanical illustrator. Because of her we now know that insects don't just spontaneously emerge from poop. She also...you won't believe it, is responsible for coining the name (we think) Vogelspinne, which means tarantula in German! She was a world traveler and appeared to be good hearted, always acknowledging the people she talked to and who helped her out with her discoveries, no matter their rank.Referenceshttps://www.botanicalartandartists.com/about-maria-sibylla-merian.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/23/science/maria-sibylla-merian-metamorphosis-insectorum-surinamensium.htmlhttps://nmwa.org/art/artists/maria-sibylla-merian/https://nmwa.org/art/collection/plate-47-dissertation-insect-generations-and-metamorphosis-surinam/https://nybooks.com/articles/2014/03/06/darwin-einstein-case-for-blunders/https://www.sierracollege.edu/ejournals/jscnhm/v6n1/merian.htmlhttps://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/maria-sibylla-merian-metamorphosis-art-and-science.htmlhttps://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2016/01/the-woman-who-made-science-beautiful/424620/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_Sibylla_Merian

Instead of covering a specific woman in STEM this week, Ellen and Susi discuss the Matilda Effect. The Matilda Effect, coined by Margaret Rossiter in 1993, is the phenomenon where women in STEM are under- or unrecognized for their contributions to STEM fields. Listen in to learn more about this phenomenon, and who Matilda is.ReferencesDominus, Susan. “Women Scientists Were Written Out Of History. It’s Margaret Rossiter’s Lifelong Mission to Fix That.” Smithsonian Magazine, October 2019.Gage, Matilda Joslyn. “Woman as an Inventor.” The North American Review 136, no. 318 (May 1883): 478-489.Lincoln, Anne E., Stephanie Pincus, Janet Bandows Koster and Phoebe S. Leboy. “The Matilda Effect in Science: Awards and Prizes in the US, 1990s and 2000s.” Social Studies of Science 42, no. 2 (February 20, 2012): 307-320.Merton, Robert K. “The Matthew Effect in Science: The Reward and Communication Systems of Science are Considered.” Science 159 (January 5, 1968): 56-63.Merton, Robert K. “The Matthew Effect in Science, II: Cumulative Advantage and Symbolism of Intellectual Property.” Isis 79 (1988): 606-623.Rossiter, Margaret W. “The Matthew Matilda Effect in Science.” Social Studies of Science 23 (May 1, 1993): 325-341.

Hi everybody, we're back with a new episode on one of my favorite woman we've covered so far, Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkins. Dorothy discovered the 3D structure of penicillin and many essential biomolecules. Penicillin is an antibiotic that was discovered in fungi, which saved many lives, especially during the war. Dorothy's whole family is fascinating, we hope you enjoy her story as much as we did. Also check out the Netflix mushroom documentary Fantastic Fungi!!!Referenceshttps://www.bbvaopenmind.com/en/science/leading-figures/dorothy-hodgkin-the-woman-who-saw-penicillin/https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta-lactamhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Hodgkinhttps://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1964/hodgkin/biographical/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dorothy-Hodgkinhttps://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/grants/dorothy-hodgkin-fellowship/

Henriette Avrum was a computer programmer who revolutionized libraries with her creation of Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) for the Library of Congress. Listen to Ellen gush to Susi about how important MARC is to librarians on this episode of STEMinism!

Hi friends! You probably missed us last week :) Ellen and I decided we will take one week out each month to take a well deserved break. It may not seem as much, but each episode takes a bunch of work for research, recording and cutting :) But we're so glad to be back. This week with Rosalind Franklin, the mother of DNA. Rosalind and her PhD student took the first picture of DNA, which was then swooped up by 3 men, who went and received a Nobel Prize for their discovery of the structure of DNA. We believe Rosalind would have deserved to share that prize as well. Unfortunately her life was cut short by cancer, similar to many women we've been covering here. We hope you enjoy listening!Referenceshttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02144-4https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosalind_Franklinhttps://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/jun/23/sexism-in-science-did-watson-and-crick-really-steal-rosalind-franklins-datahttps://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/rosalind-franklin-a-crucial-contribution-6538012/https://theconversation.com/sexism-pushed-rosalind-franklin-toward-the-scientific-sidelines-during-her-short-life-but-her-work-still-shines-on-her-100th-birthday-139249https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/bofran.htmlhttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/rosalind-franklin-legacy/#sayrhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/kionasmith/2018/04/16/rosalind-franklin-died-60-years-ago-today-without-the-nobel-prize-she-deserved/?sh=5da449dc79e7https://www.nature.com/articles/496270a

Let's talk about sex...chromosomes! Nettie Stevens is known for discovery the Y sex chromosome and the part it plays in genetics, but often is unrecognized for her contributions. Listen to learn more!ReferencesBainbridge, David. The X in Sex: How the X Chromosome Controls Our Lives. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2003.Brush, Stephen G. "Nettie M. Stevens and the Discovery of Sex Determination by Chromosomes." Isis 69, no. 2 (June 1978): 163-172.Cross, Patricia C. and John P. Steward. "Nettie Maria Stevens." Sandstone & Tile 17, no. 1 (Winter 1993): 3-12.Famous Scientists. "Nettie Stevens."Ogilvie, Marilyn Bailey and Clifford J. Choquette. "Nettie Maria Stevens (1861-1912): Her Life and Contributions to Cytogenetics." Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society 125, no. 4 (August 21, 1981): 292-311.

Today we are discussing Hypatia of Alexandria, a female philosopher from 370 AD who was a teacher of astronomy, mathematics and philosophy, and who influenced many important people of her time. However, because of her public speeches, her believes and probably because of her intellect, she experienced a violent and totally unnecessary death. She reminds us that sexism is very very very old, coming from a long line of men, like Aristotle, perpetuating the thought that women are of less worth than men. What they didn't realize though was that women persevere and we're slowly but surely worming our ways back into all corners of society, academia and the economy. We hope you enjoy this episode! Happy listening!

Eloise Gerry was the first woman professional staff hired at the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, WI. She was a research scientist from 1910 to 1955, and one of the few women allowed to work in the field. Also, her and Susi have similar dissertations!References"How a Northern College Girl became Interested in the Naval Stores Industry." Naval Stores Review 31, no. 27 (October 1, 1921): 10, 15, 34.Graduate Women in Science. "Dr. Eloise Gerry Endowment." J.M.C. "'Bars of Sanio' in Coniferales." Botanical Gazette 50, no. 1 (July 1910): 78-79.Lewis, James. "'New Faces, Same Old Values': Revisiting a History of Attitudes Towards Women in the Forest Service." March 9, 2018.McBeath, Lida W. "Eloise Gerry, a Woman of Forest Science." Journal of Forest History 22, no. 3 (July 1978): 128-135.Strenge, F.A. "We Present." Journal of Forestry 48, no. 11 (November 1947): 827-828.Sullivan, Buddy. "Naval Stores Industry." Last edited November 2, 2020. U.S. Forest Service. "Forest Products."

Hi friends, today we are talking about Ellen Richards, the mother of modern hygiene, if you will. Yes, apparently until 1890, Americans and the world were living in filth, until Ellen and her power women at MIT came along, analyzing food and water for environmental and intentional contaminants. She made some amazing contributions to human society, however she was not perfect. Her world view was tainted by the racism of her time. We think it is still important to talk about her, while pointing out her imperfections. We hope you'll enjoy!References https://nautil.us/issue/46/balance/the-woman-who-gave-us-the-science-of-normal-lifehttps://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/whatischemistry/women-scientists/ellen-h-swallow-richards.htmlhttps://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/ellen-h-swallow-richardshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/first-female-student-mit-started-women-chemistry-lab-food-safety-180971056/

Hey y'all, today we have a special guest for you all. Angie, to Mzzz Hall is a grade school teacher here in Madison and she's telling us about what guided her to become a teacher, the steps involved and what she learned throughout this journey. We talk about teaching strategies and food for thought, like, should Highschool teachers study different strategies to communicate STEM and could the type of training in college education perpetuate gender inequalities in STEM fields later on? Happy listening!

María Andresa Casamayor as an 18th century Spanish Mathematician. Her only work published, Tyrocinio Arithmético, was intended to be a reference guide for the merchants that lived in Zaragoza and traded with other territories. Listen in as Ellen tells Susi more about María Andresa and how incredible she was.ReferencesJochim, Mark Joseph.  "News issues 2020: Spain (Women in Science)." Philatelic Pursuits, June 20, 2020.Practica Español. "The story of the woman who dreamed of numbers and hid under a male pseudonym."School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, Scotland. "María Andresa Casamayor de La Coma."Spain's News Spanish News in English.  "The Numbers of an Advanced."

Howdy folks, today we are talking about Hilde Mangold, a German geneticist who discovered the "organizer", which is a group of cells that are responsible for the induction of the neural tissues during development in amphibian embryos. We're furious, because Hilde did not get to be the first author on her own doctoral dissertation. She also lived in an interesting era, between the First and Second World Wars. Happy listening!ReferencesDoty, Maria, "Hilde Mangold (1898-1924)". Embryo Project Encyclopedia (2011-05-09). ISSN: 1940-5030http://embryo.asu.edu/handle/10776/1743.https://www.jax.org/news-and-insights/jax-blog/2016/october/women-in-science-hilde-mangold#https://geneticsunzipped.com/news/2020/9/7/the-organiser-hilde-mangoldhttps://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1935/spemann/lecture/https://www.facinghistory.org/holocaust-and-human-behavior/chapter-5/controlling-universitiesDetzen, D., & Hoffmann, S. (2020). Accountability and ideology: The case of a German university under the Nazi regime. Accounting History, 25(2), 174-192. 

Hi everyone! Apologies for being a week late, but work has been busy. This week we are featuring Marian Ewurama Addy who was a Ghanaian biochemist and the first host of the National Science and Maths Quiz. She was also the first Ghanaian woman to become full professor of natural science, all of which made her a role model for school girls and budding female scientists in STEM. This will be our last episode with Maia, because she's been busy with fieldwork, so from here on out Ellen and Susi will rock the show :) Happy listening!Referenceshttp://www.s158663955.websitehome.co.uk/ghanaculture/privatecontent/File/traditional%20medicine%20practice.pdf http://www.drcrmishra.com/data/uploads/ebook/56.-prof.-marian-ewurama-addy-ghana-1999.pdfhttps://www.chemistryworld.com/culture/ghanaian-biochemistry-tv-star-marian-addy/4011586.articlehttps://www.ug.edu.gh/news/late-professor-marian-ewurama-addy-honoured’https://www.modernghana.com/news/539279/importance-of-polytechnic-education-and-the-challe.html

Hi everybody, we're back with a new episode, this week on Marie Curie. We know, Marie needs no introduction and you're probably thinking, aaah, I know that one. Marie had a fascinating life and we promise you, you'll be surprised. If anything, listen to fascinating facts about the Nobel Price, which's origin are less noble than you might think. Marie was the first woman to win a Nobel price, the first woman to win it twice, the first human to win it in two categories, the first woman to get a PhD in France, and the first female professor at General Physics in the faculty of Sciences at Sorbonne university. She's one of our heroes for sure. Happy listening!"Be less curious about people and more curious about ideas." - Marie CurieReferenceshttps://www.mariecurie.org.uk/who/our-history/marie-curie-the-scientisthttps://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02988-5https://www.biography.com/scientist/marie-curiehttps://www.mentalfloss.com/article/537552/facts-about-marie-curiehttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/madame-curies-passion-74183598/https://carnotcycle.wordpress.com/2018/01/01/marie-curie-and-the-miracle-machine/

Angélique Marguerite Le Bousier du Coudray was a midwife in 18th century France. She traveled the country for 30 years, teaching women and men how to properly and safely deliver babies. Despite her huge contribution to the country, not much is known about her personal life, but the mystery seems to only add to our fascination!ReferencesCampbell, Olivia.  "How a French Midwife Solved a Public Health Crisis." JStor Daily, March 25, 2020.Gelbart, Nina Rattner. "Midwife to a Nation: Madame du Coudray serves France." In The Art of Midwifery: Early Modern Midwives in Europe, edited by Hilary Marland, 131-151. London: Routledge, 1993.Gelbart, Nina Rattner. "The Monarchy's Midwife Who Left No Memoirs." French Historical Studies 19, no. 4 (1996): 997-1023.

Florence Merriam Bailey was an ornithologist and author who created the first modern field guide to birds. She is best known for her detailed guide to the birds of New Mexico, which she wrote after years of field studies and travels in the early 1900s. Her approach to field ecology and bird conservation were unique and, we think, still relevant almost one hundred years later! Listen in for some discussion on shotgun ornithology, the formation of the Audubon Society, and the experiences of women on scientific collecting trips. 

Today we are discussing the story of Fannie Lou Hamer. Fannie was an impactful civil rights activist. You might be thinking now, wait a minute, what does that have to do with STEM? Well she also founded Freedom Farms, which was a local agricultural community that provided food, housing and education to her local people who were struggling to survive, especially because of practices like sharecropping, as well as retaliations by landowners for trying to pursue their right to vote. She has been extremely influential in community outreach and hence well deserves a spot in the STEMinism world. Happy listening folks :)ReferencesWhite, M. M. (2018). Freedom farmers: agricultural resistance and the Black freedom movement. UNC Press Books.https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/fannie-lou-hamerhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/28/republicans-party-of-civil-rightshttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/freedomsummer-hamer/ https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/fannie-lou-hamerhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/fannie-lou-hamers-dauntless-fight-for-black-americans-right-vote-180975610/

Through her groundbreaking work as a chemist, Alice Ball changed the lives of thousands of people. She was the first black women to receive a master's degree from the University of Hawaii and she became a professor at the age of 23. However, her story was very nearly lost to history. We are excited and honored to be among the people now celebrating her achievements and role as a pioneering STEMinist in the 1920s.