Died 22 January 1952 | ||
Mary Louise Fossler (September 14, 1868 - January 22, 1952) is best known for her work as a female chemist and for her career as a chemistry professor. Fossler is best known for her contributions to chemistry research and for her career as a professor at the University of Nebraska. Mary Louise Fossler graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry in 1894, and the returned to complete a Master of Arts in chemistry. Mary Louise Fossler was a pioneer for women pursuing careers in science in the early 20th century. Margaret Rossiter's book Women Scientists in America: Struggles and Strategies to 1940 provides a frame of reference for that time period, stressing the significance of women's work and contributions in science and during that time.
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Life
Mary Louise Fossler was born on September 14, 1968 in Lima, Ohio. Her parents were Christian Fossler, and Katherine Andra, who were both born in Germany. Fossler spent a majority of her childhood in Ohio. She was the second oldest of 6 siblings. She died at the age of 83 on January 22, 1952 in Pasadena, California.
Education
Mary Fossler attended the University of Nebraska where she studied chemistry and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1894. After working for two years, Fossler returned to the University of Nebraska in pursuit of a Master of Arts in chemistry. While pursuing this degree, Fossler was conducting research and became published in the American Chemical Journal in 1898. She was published on her contributions to the chemistry of phenyl glutaric acids. Fossler reported on a successful method that she used in her research to synthesize alpha-methyl-beta-phenylglutaric acid.
Career
When Fossler first graduated from the University of Nebraska she began her career as principal at a high school in Weeping Water, Nebraska. After two years, Fossler returned to the University of Nebraska to continue her studies in chemistry. When Fossler completed her A.M. she took a faculty position at the University of Nebraska as an adjunct chemistry professor.