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Who Was Marie M. Daly?
Marie M. Daly was a pioneering American biochemist, best known for being the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. Raised in a family that valued education, Daly’s academic journey began at Queens College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. She continued her studies at New York University, completing her Master’s degree before obtaining her Ph.D. from Columbia University. Throughout her career, Daly conducted significant research, advancing our understanding of the human body. She passed away in New York City on October 28, 2003.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 16, 1921, in Queens, New York, Daly grew up in a family deeply committed to education. Her father, Ivan C. Daly, emigrated from the West Indies with aspirations of becoming a chemist and enrolled at Cornell University. Unfortunately, financial challenges forced him to abandon his studies, leading him to work as a postal clerk in New York City. Daly’s mother, Helen, who came from a well-read family in Washington, D.C., nurtured her daughter’s love for books, particularly those focused on science and scientists. This early encouragement laid the foundation for Daly’s remarkable achievements in the field of biochemistry.
Higher Education
Marie Maynard Daly’s journey in education began at Hunter College High School, an all-girls institution in New York City. After graduating, she attended Queens College in Flushing, New York, choosing to live at home to save money. In 1942, Daly graduated with honors, but with limited financial resources for graduate school, she took on a position as a laboratory assistant at her alma mater. Additionally, she secured a fellowship, both of which played crucial roles in funding her graduate education in chemistry at New York University. Daly’s determination and drive enabled her to complete her master’s degree in just one year, and by 1944, she had enrolled in Columbia University’s doctoral program.
At Columbia, Daly thrived under the mentorship of Dr. Mary L. Caldwell, a prominent scientist who helped pave the way for women in the field of chemistry. Amid World War II, when opportunities for women in science were expanding, Daly made the most of this historical moment.
Pioneering a Path: Daly Receives Her Ph.D.
In 1947, Daly made history by becoming the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. Her doctoral work at Columbia focused on understanding how the body’s chemicals aid in food digestion. Daly’s passion for research continued after her doctorate. In 1948, she received a grant from the American Cancer Society to begin a seven-year research program at the Rockefeller Institute of Medicine, where she investigated how proteins are synthesized in the human body.
A Career of Groundbreaking Research and Activism
In 1955, Daly returned to Columbia University and began a collaboration with Dr. Quentin B. Deming, studying the causes of heart attacks. Their research, later relocated to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Yeshiva University, provided groundbreaking insights into the relationship between high cholesterol and arterial blockage. This work laid the foundation for understanding how diet and nutrition impact cardiovascular health.
In addition to her pioneering research, Daly was a dedicated educator, teaching biochemistry at Albert Einstein College. She also became a strong advocate for increasing diversity in science, launching initiatives to support students of color in pursuing careers in medicine and the sciences. In 1988, she established a scholarship at Queens College in memory of her father to support minority students in the sciences.
Daly retired in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of scientific achievement and activism. Her honors included induction into Phi Beta Kappa and being named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Marie Maynard Daly, who married Vincent Clark in 1961 and became known as Marie Maynard Daly Clark, passed away on October 28, 2003, in New York City. Her contributions to science and education continue to inspire future generations.