Born: 1935 (Fort Worth, Texas)
Died: 1995
Biography:
Bettye Washington Greene (March 20, 1935 – June 16, 1995) was an American industrial research chemist and a trailblazer for African American women in the field of science. She made significant contributions to the field of latex and polymers during her career at the Dow Chemical Company.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Bettye Washington grew up in a segregated community and attended segregated public schools. She completed her high school education at I.M. Terrell High School in 1952. Showing an aptitude for science, Washington went on to pursue higher education at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. In 1955, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry.
Determining a relentless pursuit for knowledge and excellence, Washington continued her academic journey at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Under the guidance of Wilfred Heller, she successfully earned her Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1962. During this time, Washington also worked as a teaching assistant, imparting her knowledge to undergraduate chemistry students.
In 1965, Washington made history by becoming the first African American female Ph.D. chemist to work in a professional position at the Dow Chemical Company. Joining the E. C. Britton Research Laboratory in Midland, Michigan, she began her groundbreaking research in colloid and latex chemistry. She dedicated her efforts to investigating the interactions between latex and paper, which proved invaluable for the paper industry.
Throughout her career at Dow Chemical, Washington continuously pushed the boundaries of scientific understanding. In 1970, she was promoted to senior research chemist and later joined Dow Chemical’s Designed Polymers Research Division in 1973. Focusing on finding polymers that could enhance latex properties, her work facilitated advancements in latex technology. Recognized for her expertise, Washington was appointed as a senior research specialist in 1975.
Over the years, Washington published several significant papers that explored various aspects of latex and polymers. Her research delved into properties that contributed to the redispersement of latex, as well as methodologies for determining the surface tension of liquids or solutions.
Throughout her career, Washington filed for several patents related to her research. In 1985, she was issued a patent for the preparation of a paper coating composition using modified latex containing phosphorus surface groups. The following year, she received a follow-up patent for the preparation of a composite sheet using stable latexes containing phosphorus surface groups. In 1990, she was granted a patent for a latex-based adhesive prepared by emulsion polymerization, which revolutionized pressure-sensitive adhesives for coating applications.
In addition to her remarkable contributions to the field of science, Bettye Washington Greene also had a fulfilling personal life. She married Veteran Air Force Captain William Miller Greene in July 1955, and together they had three children named Willetta, Victor, and Lisa.
Bettye Washington Greene’s pioneering work and dedication to her field left an indelible mark on the scientific community. She smashed barriers and paved the way for future generations of African American women in science. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate aspiring scientists to push the boundaries of knowledge and strive for excellence.