Ruth Ella Moore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ruth Ella Moore
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Ruth Ella Moore
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| Born | May 19, 1903 |
| Died | July 19, 1994 (aged 91) |
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| Institutions | Howard University |
Ruth Ella Moore (born May 19, 1903, died July 19, 1994) was an important American scientist. She was a bacteriologist and microbiologist, meaning she studied very tiny living things like bacteria and other microbes.
Dr. Moore made history! She was the first African-American woman to earn a Ph.D. (a very high university degree) in a natural science. She was also the first African American, male or female, to get a Ph.D. in bacteriology. She taught at Howard University for many years. Her research helped us understand blood types, tooth decay (cavities), and how medicines affect the tiny living things in our gut. Her work on gut microbes was some of the first of its kind.
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Early Life and Education
Ruth Ella Moore was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 19, 1903. Her parents were Willian E. Moore and Margaret Moore. She had two older brothers, Donovan and William.
Ruth's mother was an artist. She always encouraged Ruth to go to college and get a high degree. Ruth attended Ohio State University. This was one of the few universities in the United States that accepted Black students at that time.
She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science, in 1926. The next year, 1927, she received her Master of Science degree. In 1933, she achieved her Ph.D. in bacteriology. This was a huge accomplishment!
Ruth Moore's Career at Howard University
In 1940, Dr. Moore became an assistant professor. She taught bacteriology at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She worked her way up in her field.
By 1952, she became the head of the bacteriology department. Dr. Moore then changed the department's name. It became the Department of Microbiology, which is a broader field. After this, she was promoted to associate professor.
In 1957, Dr. Moore stepped down from leading the department. However, she continued to teach and do research. She kept studying bacteriology at the university. She retired from teaching at Howard University in 1973. She held the title of associate professor emeritus of microbiology until 1990.
Dr. Moore also helped the university in other ways. She was in charge of the scholarship and loans committee. She also led the student guidance committee.
Throughout her career, she was a member of important science groups. These included the American Public Health Association and the American Society for Microbiology. She joined the American Society of Microbiology in 1936.
Honors and Recognition
Dr. Moore received special awards during her career. She was given two honorary degrees. One was a doctorate in literature from Oberlin College. The other was a doctor of philosophy from Gettysburg College in 1973.
She also received the Centennial Award for Distinguished Alumni. This award came from her old university, Ohio State University.
In 2005, a U.S. Representative named Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced a bill. This bill in Congress recognized the important work of Ruth Ella Moore and other scientists.
Later Life and Passing
Dr. Ruth Ella Moore passed away on July 19, 1994. She was 91 years old. She died in Rockville, Maryland.
Interesting Facts About Ruth Ella Moore
- Dr. Moore's Ph.D. research was about the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. At that time, tuberculosis was a major cause of death in the United States. Her work was used in many later studies. It helped control the disease.
- She was the first woman to be a department head at Howard University College of Medicine.
- Dr. Moore was the first African-American person to join the American Society for Microbiology.
- She was also a member of other important science organizations. These included the American Association of Science and the American Society of Immunology.
- Beyond science, Dr. Moore was also known as a talented fashion designer. She designed and made her own clothes for most events. Some of her famous designs included a two-piece suit and beautiful long dresses.
See also
In Spanish: Ruth Ella Moore para niños
