In Memoriam
Celebrating the lives of former AWIS Members who will be dearly missed.
Margaret Rossiter, PhD
history
Margaret Rossiter was an American historian of science who uncovered overlooked contributions of women in STEM. She coined the term “Matilda Effect” to describe how women’s discoveries were often credited to men.
Valeria Mattos Nereo
Valeria Mattos Nereo, a remarkable woman of intellect and compassion, passed away in September 2023.
Dorothy M. Skinner, PhD
Biology
Dorothy M. Skinner, PhD, was a pioneer in the field of genomics and a leader in satellite DNA structure and function.
Dr. Eleanor Jane Sterling
Conservation
Eleanor Jane Sterling, director of the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, died on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
Shoshana Levy, PhD
Shoshana Levy, PhD was best known for her discovery of tetraspanins, a family of cell surface proteins that play an important role in cancer metastasis and the immune system.
Rae Lyn Burke, PhD
Virologist
Rae Lyn Burke, an eminent San Francisco Bay Area virologist, passed away on October 30th after more than fourteen years of early-onset Alzheimer's.
Dr. Judith P. Osha
Pediatrician
Judith Osha, M.D. was a pediatrician and pioneer for women in science careers. Born outside of Evansville, Indiana, she attended high school in Boonville and graduated at the top of her class.
Helen Conrad Davies
Microbiologist and Professor
Helen Conrad Davies, PhD, was a professor of microbiology and a vocal advocate for racial equality and women's rights. Former students of hers have explained that she was well known for her rather unorthodox teaching methods, such as singing lyrics to different songs in order to help her students memorize complex concepts.
Ginny Upton
Virginia Guidone Upton was a distinguished endocrinologist, medical scientist and clinical pharmacologist, inspired teacher and outstanding feminist leader.
Caitlin MacQueen
Physics
A New Mexico native, Caitlin MacQueen’s zeal for science and physics showed not only in her appetite for learning but also in dedication to her education in physics and women in science.