Chapter 1: Early Life and Education

Marie Maynard Daly stands out as the first Black woman in the United States to obtain a PhD in Chemistry, with groundbreaking research that has saved millions from heart-related ailments. Her journey unfolded against the backdrop of significant historical events, including the Harlem Renaissance, the Great Depression, and the Civil Rights Movement. Despite facing significant obstacles in academia, Marie made history inadvertently through her passion for science and determination for excellence.

Marie was born in 1921 in Queens, New York, to a family that prioritized education. Her father, an immigrant from the West Indies, had to abandon his chemistry studies at Cornell University due to financial challenges, ultimately working as a postal worker to support his family. Her mother, an enthusiastic reader, fostered a love for books in Marie, especially those focused on science. One of her favorite reads was Paul DeKruif's "Microbe Hunters," which detailed the achievements of pioneering microbiologists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch.

Marie attended Hunter College High School, where she was encouraged to explore chemistry further. She enrolled in Queens College, New York, graduating with honors in 1942. Choosing a nearby university helped her save on costs while pursuing her studies. After earning her BSc, she worked as a lab assistant while completing her Master’s thesis in 1944.

In the 1940s, the landscape for Black women in higher education was challenging, with only 2% possessing college degrees. Amidst the uncertainties of World War II, Marie decided to pursue a doctorate in chemistry, as she believed it was her only pathway to opportunity. She remarked, “My father aspired to be a scientist, but there were no opportunities for him as a Black man back then,” as recounted in Contemporary Black Biography.

Marie continued her education at Columbia University, studying biochemistry under Dr. Marie Letitia Caldwell, a prominent figure in the field. Caldwell dedicated her career to isolating amylase, the enzyme responsible for starch breakdown. In just three years, Marie completed her doctorate with a thesis titled "A Study of the Products Formed By the Action of Pancreatic Amylase on Corn Starch," earning her PhD in 1947, unaware that she was the first Black woman to achieve this feat in chemistry.

Chapter 2: Contributions to Science

Following her doctoral studies, Marie taught at Howard University from 1947 to 1948 while simultaneously working with Alfred E. Mirsky at the Rockefeller Institute in New York, where she delved into cellular research. Her work gained recognition, landing her a grant from the American Cancer Society, which facilitated her postdoctoral studies. Over seven years, she examined protein construction within cells, with her findings on histones becoming pivotal in cell biology.

From 1955 to 1959, Marie served as a biochemist associate at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, collaborating with Dr. Quentin B. Deming on heart attack research. She was the first to establish a connection between hypertension and atherosclerosis and to identify how cholesterol contributes to clogged arteries, marking a significant advancement in heart health understanding.

Marie’s investigations extended to the effects of aging on arterial metabolism and the impact of cigarette smoke on hypertension. Throughout her illustrious career, she held prestigious roles, including investigator for the American Heart Association.

In 1960, she became a professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she continued her research and teaching. In the 1970s, she published her findings on muscle creatine uptake, contributing significantly to the understanding of muscle physiology. After retiring in 1986, she served on the Commission for Science and Technology of New York City until 1989.

Chapter 3: Legacy Beyond the Laboratory

Beyond her scientific achievements, Marie was an advocate for underrepresented students in STEM fields. In December 1975, she participated in a conference addressing the challenges minority women faced in science. In 1988, she established a scholarship in her father's honor for minority students pursuing science at Queens College, closing the loop on her educational journey.

In recognition of her contributions, the National Technical Association named her one of the Top 50 Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology in 1999. Marie passed away in 2003, remembered not only for her scientific legacy but also for her kindness and creativity. A passionate musician and gardener, she embraced life fully, even taking up guitar when cancer affected her ability to play the flute.

Marie Maynard Daly's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for many, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of scientists of color and women in STEM.

Timeline of Achievements

• 1921: Born to Ivan C. Daly and Helen Page in Queens, New York
• 1938: Graduated from Hunter College High School
• 1942: Graduated from Queens College, NY, with honors
• 1944: Earned her Master’s in chemistry
• 1947: Obtained her doctorate from Columbia University
• 1947–1948: Taught at Howard University
• 1948: Received a fellowship grant from the American Cancer Society
• 1955–1959: Worked as a biochemist associate at Columbia University
• 1960–1986: Held a position at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• 1986–1989: Served on the Commission for Science and Technology of New York City

Sources

About the Author:

Dr. Roopali Chaudhary, Content Editor for Women in Science at Sci-Illustrate Stories, holds an MSc in Genetics and a PhD in Cellular & Molecular Biology, with a commitment to making science accessible through various outreach initiatives.

About the Artist:

Miler Ximena López, a contributing artist for Women in Science, expresses herself through graphic art, aiming to bring positivity and learning through her creations.

About this Series:

The Sci-Illustrate team profiles outstanding women in science every month, celebrating their contributions and inspiring future generations of scientists.

• Dr. Radhika Patnala, Series Director