Patsy O'Connell Sherman facts for kids
Patsy O’Connell Sherman (born September 15, 1930 – died February 11, 2008) was an amazing American chemist. She helped invent Scotchgard, a famous product from 3M. Scotchgard helps repel stains and water from fabrics and other materials.
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Becoming a Scientist
Patsy Sherman was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1930. When she was in high school, a test suggested she should be a housewife. But Patsy had bigger dreams! She insisted on taking the test meant for boys, which showed she could be a dentist or a scientist.
She followed her passion for science. In 1952, she earned two bachelor's degrees from Gustavus Adolphus College. She studied both chemistry and mathematics.
Her Work at 3M
Inventing Scotchgard
In 1952, Patsy started working at 3M, a big company. With another chemist named Samuel Smith, she co-invented Scotchgard. This product quickly became one of the most popular stain repellents in North America.
The idea for Scotchgard came from an accident! Patsy and her team were trying to create a special rubber for jet fuel hoses. A bit of their new chemical accidentally spilled on an assistant's shoe. They tried everything to clean it off, but nothing worked. That's when Patsy realized something important: if it couldn't be removed, it could be used to protect things! This material could repel oil, water, and other liquids.
Patsy and Samuel Smith received a patent in 1971 for their invention. Patsy holds 13 patents with Smith for their work with special chemicals called fluorochemicals.
Leading the Way
In 1974, Patsy Sherman made history at 3M. She was the first woman to be chosen for the Carlton Society. This is like 3M's Hall of Fame for inventors. She was recognized for her research that led to Scotchgard and other important discoveries.
Patsy stayed at 3M for many years. She kept improving and adding to the Scotchgard products. She later became a manager in the lab. In the mid-1980s, she even created a new department to help educate other scientists at the company.
In 2002, Patsy spoke at a special event. It was the 200th anniversary of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She shared her thoughts on invention, saying: "You can encourage and teach young people to observe, to ask questions when unexpected things happen. You can teach yourself not to ignore the unanticipated." She reminded everyone that many great inventions, like Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin, happened because someone noticed something new.
Helping Women in Science
Patsy Sherman was a strong supporter of women in science. She believed that girls should follow their dreams. "They can do anything anybody else can do," she said. She pointed out that today, girls have many more role models, including their own mothers.
When Patsy was developing Scotchgard in the 1950s, things were different. There was a rule that women weren't allowed inside the textile mill where they tested the product. So, Patsy had to wait outside for the results! At that time, very few women were chemists, making Patsy a true pioneer in the corporate world.
Achievements and Awards
- Inducted into the Minnesota Science & Technology Hall of Fame (2011).
- Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (2001). She also served on their board of directors.
- Received the Joseph M. Biedenbach Distinguished Service Award (1991).
- Given the Distinguished Alumni Citation for Scientific Research (1975).
- First woman inducted into the Carlton Society, 3M's Hall of Fame.
Her Life After 3M
Patsy Sherman retired from 3M in 1992. She continued to receive recognition for her amazing work. She passed away on February 11, 2008, after a stroke. Her husband, Hubert Sherman, had passed away in 1996. Patsy had two daughters, Sharon Loushin (who also became a chemist at 3M) and Wendy Heil.
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