Marie Maynard Daly facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marie Maynard Daly
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| Born | April 16, 1921 Corona, Queens, New York City, U.S.
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| Died | October 28, 2003 (aged 82) New York City, U.S.
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| Other names | Marie Maynard Daly Clark |
| Education |
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| Known for | histones, protein synthesis, cholesterol, hypertension |
| Spouse(s) | Vincent Clark |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Biochemistry |
| Institutions |
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| Thesis | A Study of the Products Formed by the Action of Pancreatic Amylase on Corn Starch (1947) |
| Doctoral advisor | Mary Letitia Caldwell |
Marie Maynard Daly (April 16, 1921 – October 28, 2003) was a brilliant American biochemist.
She made history as the first African-American woman in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry. She was also the first African-American to receive a Ph.D. from Columbia University. Dr. Daly's groundbreaking research helped us understand many important things about our bodies. She studied how proteins are made, how cholesterol affects our hearts, and how our muscles use energy. Her work continues to inspire young scientists today.
Contents
Becoming a Scientist: Marie's Education
Marie Maynard Daly loved learning from a young age. She attended Hunter College High School, a special school for girls in New York City. There, she was encouraged to explore her interest in chemistry.
After high school, Marie went to Queens College. She lived at home to save money while she studied. In 1942, she graduated with honors, earning her bachelor's degree in chemistry. She was recognized as a Queens College Scholar, an award for the very best students.
During World War II, there was a great need for scientists. This helped Marie get scholarships to continue her studies. She earned her master's degree in chemistry from New York University in 1943. While studying, she also worked as a lab assistant and chemistry tutor at Queens College.
Marie then went on to Columbia University for her Ph.D. She worked with Professor Mary Letitia Caldwell. In 1947, Marie earned her Ph.D. in chemistry. Her research focused on how a substance called pancreatic amylase breaks down corn starch. This achievement made her a pioneer for African-American women in science.
Marie's Amazing Career in Science
After earning her Ph.D., Dr. Daly taught physical science at Howard University from 1947 to 1948. She also conducted important research there.
Later, she received a special grant from the American Cancer Society. This allowed her to join a research group at the Rockefeller Institute. For seven years, Dr. Daly studied how proteins are built inside the body. At that time, scientists were still trying to understand the structure and function of DNA.
In 1955, Dr. Daly moved to Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. She worked with Dr. Quentin B. Deming to study how arteries work. They continued this research when they moved to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 1960. There, Dr. Daly became an assistant professor of biochemistry and medicine. She also served as an investigator for the American Heart Association for several years.
Dr. Daly was passionate about helping more minority students succeed in science. She helped create a program called the Martin Luther King - Robert F. Kennedy program. This program prepared Black students for admission to professional and graduate schools. In 1971, she was promoted to associate professor.
In 1975, Dr. Daly attended a special conference. It focused on the challenges faced by minority women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The conference led to a report with ideas for encouraging more minority women to become scientists.
Dr. Daly was a respected member of many scientific organizations. She retired in 1986 from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In 1988, she created a scholarship at Queens College. This scholarship helps African-American students studying chemistry and physics, honoring her father's dream. In 1999, she was recognized as one of the top 50 women in Science, Engineering, and Technology.
Dr. Daly's Important Discoveries
Dr. Daly's research made big impacts in several areas of science. She was always curious about how our bodies work at a tiny, chemical level.
Understanding Histones
Dr. Daly was very interested in proteins found inside the nucleus of cells. These proteins are called histones. She developed special ways to separate cell materials. This allowed her to study the different parts of the cell without damaging them.
She discovered the specific amino acids that make up different types of histones. Her work helped show that histones are important for how our genes work. Today, her research on histones is seen as a foundational part of science.
Proteins and DNA
Dr. Daly also studied how proteins are made, a process called protein synthesis. She looked at the role of tiny structures in the cell's cytoplasm in making proteins.
In 1953, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick described the famous double-helix structure of DNA. Dr. Daly's earlier work on how proteins are made was even mentioned by Watson when he accepted the Nobel Prize! Her research helped pave the way for a deeper understanding of genetics.
Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, and Heart Health
Dr. Daly and her team did some of the first research connecting what we eat to the health of our hearts and blood vessels. They studied how things like cholesterol and sugar affect our bodies.
She was the first to show that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to a condition called atherosclerosis. This is when arteries get clogged. She also found a link between cholesterol and clogged arteries. These were huge discoveries for understanding how heart attacks happen.
Dr. Daly also investigated how cigarette smoke affects the lungs and blood pressure. Her work helped us understand how to keep our hearts healthy.
Creatine and Muscle Energy
In the 1970s, Dr. Daly began studying creatine. Creatine is a substance that helps muscle cells get energy. Her research showed the best conditions for muscle tissues to absorb creatine. This was important for understanding how our muscles work and recover.
Marie's Early Life and Inspiration
Marie Maynard Daly was born and grew up in Corona, Queens, New York City. Her father, Ivan C. Daly, came from the British West Indies. He worked as a postal clerk. Her mother was Helen Page.
Marie often visited her grandparents in Washington, D.C.. Her grandfather had a large library, and Marie loved to read there. She was especially inspired by a book called The Microbe Hunters, which told stories of scientists and their amazing discoveries. This book helped her decide to become a scientist herself.
Her father also greatly influenced Marie. He had wanted to be a chemist and even attended Cornell University. However, he couldn't finish his studies because of money problems. Marie decided to follow in his footsteps and complete his dream by studying chemistry. Years later, she created a scholarship in his honor at Queens College. This scholarship helps minority students who want to study chemistry or physics.
Marie married Vincent Clark and took the name Marie Maynard Daly Clark. She passed away on October 28, 2003.
Marie Daly's Lasting Legacy
Dr. Marie M. Daly's contributions continue to be celebrated. In 2016, an elementary school in Queens was named "The Dr. Marie M. Daly Academy of Excellence" in her honor.
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine also holds an annual event called "The Marie M. Daly Memorial Celebration." This event invites guest speakers to highlight the importance of diversity and the contributions of minority scientists to the world of science. Dr. Daly's life shows us that with hard work and determination, anyone can make a difference.
See also
In Spanish: Marie Maynard Daly para niños
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