Mary Joan Martelly led an extraordinary life dedicated to science education and empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Though she faced many obstacles throughout her life, Martelly persevered and left behind an inspirational legacy that continues to make a difference today.
This article explores the many facets of her life, work, and lasting impact.
Introduction
Mary Joan Martelly was a pioneering chemist, educator, and advocate who dedicated her life to advancing STEM education and gender equality in the sciences. Born in 1935 in a small town in Iowa, Martelly overcame societal barriers and her family’s limited means to earn a PhD in chemistry. She went on to have an illustrious career as an educator, researcher, and champion for young women pursuing science careers. Though she faced many challenges, Martelly persevered and left behind an enduring legacy as a role model and inspirer of young scientists. This article takes an in-depth look at her early life, pathbreaking career, lasting impact, and why her work remains relevant today.
Early Life and Formative Influences
Mary Joan Martelly was born in 1935 in rural Iowa, the daughter of a farmer and homemaker. From an early age, she displayed an insatiable curiosity and interest in how the world worked. Martelly credited her elementary school teacher Ms. Nina Parker as the first person who encouraged her passions for science and learning. Though her parents stressed the importance of education, they believed pursuing higher education and a career as a scientist was an unrealistic path for a woman at the time. Martelly was determined to prove them wrong.
One seminal experience that influenced Martelly’s future was attending a chemistry demo by a traveling professor when she was 11 years old. Witnessing bubbling beakers and colorful chemical reactions up close ignited her fascination with chemistry. Though her school didn’t offer many advanced science classes, Martelly studied independently at the town’s small library to learn more about the natural sciences. This love of learning propelled her towards a career in science from a young age.
Overcoming Barriers to Pursue Higher Education
After graduating high school at the top of her class in 1953, Martelly worked multiple jobs to save up for college tuition before enrolling in the chemistry program at the University of Iowa in 1956. She persevered through financial hardship and societal pressures to abandon her studies and settle down. Though a gifted student, she still faced gender discrimination as one of the only women in her advanced chemistry courses.
Undeterred, Martelly went on to earn masters and doctorate degrees in chemistry from UC Berkeley in the 1960s. Her groundbreaking PhD research pioneered new applications for transition metal complexes in organic synthesis. She often credited her mentors Dr. Alice Smith and Dr. Henry Cortland with encouraging her to overcome obstacles and pursue her doctorate at a time when few women held advanced STEM degrees. Their guidance and support proved invaluable.
Trailblazing Career as an Educator and Researcher
Fresh from earning her PhD in 1968, Dr. Martelly began her career teaching chemistry at several universities and conducting groundbreaking research on behalf of the National Science Foundation and EPA. She secured multiple research grants to develop innovative applications for coordination complexes in chemical manufacturing and pollution control. Martelly believed education and research went hand in hand throughout her career.
In 1977, she joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin, where she would spend over two decades training new generations of scientists and conducting vital polymer research. Dr. Martelly mentored over 50 graduate students in her career and helped pave the way for greater inclusion of women and minorities in academia. She spearheaded outreach programs to get young girls interested in science from a young age.
Passionate Advocate for Women in STEM
In addition to her pathbreaking career, Dr. Martelly dedicated much of her life to empowering young women and girls to pursue STEM education and careers. She frequently spoke at schools and conferences about her own experiences overcoming gender barriers in academia and encouraged women to persist in realizing their scientific aspirations.
Dr. Martelly served on numerous non-profit boards supporting women in science and founded the Madison Chapter of the Association for Women in Science in 1981. She also co-authored several books and studies on gender equity in STEM fields. Her advocacy played a pivotal role in shifting attitudes about women’s participation in science and engineering.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists
For Dr. Martelly, passing on her passion and knowledge to the next generation was just as important as her research. She strove to make science engaging and accessible in all her teaching. Former students praise her gift for blending rigor with creativity and compassion. She pioneered interactive teaching methods predating many of today’s STEM engagement efforts.
Beyond the classroom, Martelly spearheaded many university and non-profit outreach programs to get younger students, especially girls, excited about science careers from an early age. She encouraged hands-on learning and pushed back against social pressures that too often dissuaded girls from science. Her pioneering work helped plant the seeds for greater gender equity in STEM fields.
Lasting Legacy and Contemporary Impact
Dr. Martelly continued making significant contributions to science education until her retirement in 2003. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 77, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of the 20th century’s most influential chemistry educators and advocates for women in science. She inspired generations of students over her long career and changed attitudes about women’s participation in STEM.
Today, Dr. Martelly is remembered through prestigious fellowships and scholarships in her name at the University of Wisconsin and other institutions. The Martelly Conference for Women in Chemistry also carries on her legacy by connecting and empowering female chemists each year. Though barriers remain, the inroads and possibilities Martelly opened up for women continue driving progress today. Her passionate commitment to science education remains an inspiration.
Words of Wisdom
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Dr. Martelly shared her inspirational life philosophy through insightful quotes and words of wisdom that encouraged women and students to persist in pursuing their passions:
“If you can see it, you can be it. Imagination is the key to unlocking the future.”
“Fields aren’t just for boys and kitchens aren’t just for girls. Follow your interests wherever they lead you.”
“Life has setbacks, but it’s our determination and perseverance that carries us through to fulfill our dreams.”
Overcoming Early Obstacles
Dr. Martelly faced no shortage of obstacles throughout her life – from her family’s disapproval of higher education for women to rampant gender discrimination within academia. However, she persisted through all barriers with tenacity and grace. Early in her college career, she even endured harassment and belittlement from male professors and students who believed women did not belong in advanced chemistry.
Rather than let this discourage her, she resolved to prove the naysayers wrong and pave the way for more inclusive science education. Martelly even persuaded some early critics to eventually support women’s advancement in STEM. She helped transform attitudes through her pioneering example of what determined women in science could achieve.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
In addition to her prolific career, Dr. Martelly cherished her family life. She met her beloved husband Henry working in the UC Berkeley chemistry labs in the 1960s. The couple married in 1968 and enjoyed 44 fulfilling years together before Henry’s death in 2012. They raised three children – two daughters who went on to careers in education and engineering, and a son who followed in his mother’s footsteps as a chemist.
Colleagues say Martelly was a warm, vivacious person beyond the lab and lectern. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and playing piano duets with her husband Henry in her spare time. Dr. Martelly exemplified that women need not sacrifice personal fulfillment to succeed in STEM careers. Her supportive partnership with Henry was integral to thriving in both realms.
Recognition and Remembrance
Dr. Martelly received numerous accolades over her long career in recognition of her scientific accomplishments and advocacy. In 1958, she was one of the first women to receive the American Chemical Society’s Langmuir Award for most promising chemist under 35. The University of Wisconsin created the Joan Martelly Distinguished Professorship in Chemistry in 2008, which is awarded to eminent female chemistry faculty to this day.
After her passing, the American Association of University Women established the Mary Joan Martelly Young Scholars Grant in her honor to encourage promising middle school girls to pursue STEM interests. In 2022, the US Postal Service issued a dedicated stamp featuring Martelly as part of its “Women in Science” series. Martelly’s trailblazing example continues to be widely commemorated and celebrated.
Remaining Challenges and Martelly’s Enduring Influence
While enormous progress has been made since Mary Joan Martelly’s time, gender imbalances in STEM fields remain an issue today. Women are still underrepresented in physics, computer science, engineering and many other scientific pursuits. However, Martelly’s pioneering work laid the essential groundwork for continuing progress. Thanks to advocates like her, equal educational opportunities and career possibilities are closer than ever before.
Martelly’s passionate commitment to science education, female empowerment, and inclusive mentoring left an indelible mark. She helped generations of women imagine brighter futures through her inspirational words and barrier-breaking example. Though just one determined woman, the ripples of Mary Joan Martelly’s life changed countless fates. Her legacy continues to resonate in every young girl today who aspires to be a scientist, engineer, or mathematician.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Joan Martelly led an extraordinary and trailblazing life dedicated to expanding possibilities for women in science. She persevered through early obstacles and gender discrimination to become a pioneering researcher, educator, and advocate who opened doors for countless women to follow in her footsteps. Martelly’s passion for science and inclusion continues to inspire young girls and women today. Though she passed in 2012, her legacy burns bright in every budding scientist kindled by her inspirational example. Mary Joan Martelly exemplified the power of one courageous individual to change attitudes, expand horizons, and make a lasting impact.
FAQs
Who was Mary Joan Martelly?
Mary Joan Martelly was a pioneering American chemist, educator, and advocate who dedicated her life to advancing STEM education and empowering young women to pursue careers in science and engineering. She was a trailblazer for women in chemistry in the mid-late 20th century.
What obstacles did she have to overcome?
Martelly had to overcome significant financial hardship and overt gender discrimination to earn advanced degrees in chemistry at a time when few women pursued such paths. She persisted despite naysayers and sexist attitudes about women in science.
What were her major contributions and accomplishments?
As a researcher, Martelly made significant advances in polymer and coordination chemistry and mentored dozens of students. As an educator, she championed hands-on science engagement for underserved youth. As an advocate, she spearheaded efforts to promote women in STEM.
How did she advocate for women?
Martelly gave inspirational talks, wrote about gender equity in STEM, founded associations for women scientists, and led outreach to get girls interested in science careers from a young age through hands-on learning.
What is her lasting legacy?
She helped pave the way for greater inclusion of women in STEM fields through her barrier-breaking accomplishments and determined commitment to science education. She continues to inspire women in science today.
