Uncovering the Life and Legacy of Alice Ball: The First African American Woman to Receive a Master’s Degree in Chemistry
Introduction
Alice Ball was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. Despite facing discrimination as a black woman in the early 20th century, Alice persevered and became the first African American woman to earn a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Hawaii. In this article, we will uncover the fascinating life and legacy of Alice Ball and how her groundbreaking work helped to save countless lives.
Early Life and Education
Alice Augusta Ball was born on July 24, 1892, in Seattle, Washington. Her father, James P. Ball Jr., was a newspaper editor and photographer, and her mother, Laura C. Ball, was also a photographer. In 1914, Alice graduated from Seattle High School and went on to attend the University of Washington, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry.
After completing her undergraduate studies, Alice moved to Honolulu and enrolled at the University of Hawaii. In 1915, she became the first African American and the first woman to receive a master’s degree in chemistry from the university.
Contribution to Medicine
Alice Ball’s most significant contribution to science was developing an effective treatment for leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, nerves, and respiratory tract. At the time, leprosy was a worldwide health problem, particularly in Hawaii, where there were thousands of cases.
Alice’s work involved developing a method for extracting ethyl ester from chaulmoogra oil, a substance that had been used to treat leprosy for centuries but was not effective due to its unpleasant side effects. Alice’s breakthrough was significant because she found a way to make the oil soluble in water, making it more effective and easier to administer.
The treatment, known as the “Ball Method,” was a breakthrough in the fight against leprosy, and patients treated with it began to see significant improvements in their symptoms. Alice’s work resulted in her being offered a faculty position as an assistant professor at the University of Hawaii, making her the first woman and the first African American to be given such a position.
Legacy
Sadly, Alice Ball’s life was cut short after contracting pneumonia in December 1916, at the young age of 24. However, her legacy in the field of chemistry lives on, and her contributions to medicine have saved countless lives.
In 2000, the University of Hawaii erected a plaque in Alice’s honor, recognizing her significant contributions to science. Additionally, in 2020, Google featured Alice Ball in their “Google Doodle,” paying tribute to her and acknowledging her as a pioneer in her field.
Conclusion
Alice Ball was a remarkable woman who overcame countless obstacles to become a pioneer in the field of chemistry. Her groundbreaking work in developing an effective treatment for leprosy has saved countless lives and continues to inspire new generations of chemists and scientists. Alice’s short yet significant life is a testament to the power of determination, passion, and dedication to one’s craft.
