As part of the study of Women and Minorities in Science, each student will complete a biography

project about a scientist/engineer/inventor/mathematician/economist of his/her choice who was born after

1900. Each student should pick an American woman or minority scientist who is not covered in class, and

research his or her life and work. Please get my approval for your selection before proceeding, to ensure we

do not have multiple people covering the same person – I will approve choices on a first come, first served

basis.

Some questions to consider in selecting the individual and doing your research:

When and where did this person live? Ideally, this person will have lived within the last generation.

When and where did this individual perform his/her work?

What were the influences in this person’s life?

How and where was this scientist educated?

What was society’s view of women or minority scientists at that time?

What challenges and obstacles did this scientist overcome?

Did this scientist have any important mentors or advisors?

Did this scientist have any adversaries? Any specific challenges?

What were notable events or circumstances that influenced this scientist?

In what field of study did this scientist work?

What were this scientist’s major contributions to the field?

What recognition did the scientist receive?

Did this scientist contribute to developing the next generation of scientists?

What is this scientist’s legacy?
Paper Comments Each student will write a research paper concerning the selected scientist. The paper should be at

least 5 pages long, typed, and double spaced. It should include footnotes and a bibliography with, ideally, 5

sources, two of which are non-internet sources. You may also use personal interviews/communications to

elicit the information you use. For citations, you may use any standard bibliography/reference format, as long

as it is consistent.

Grading components for the paper:

1. Paper is well-written and organized, with proper grammar and spelling. = 25%

2. Paper is at least 5 pages long. = 5%

3. Paper includes appropriate references that are correctly cited as well as a bibliography. = 5%

4. Paper includes information on major aspects of the scientist’s life. = 15%

5. Paper discusses the scientist’s work and its importance to the field. = 15%

6. Paper addresses the obstacles or challenges the scientist overcame. = 15%

7. Discussion includes how/why you can relate to this person’s work (what is his/her attraction for your

interest?). = 20%