Born: August 26, 1909 (Sherborn, Massachusetts)
Died: August 29, 1988
Alice Mary Dowse Weeks (August 26, 1909 – August 29, 1988) was an American geologist who made significant contributions to the field of geology. She was a pioneering advocate for women in geology and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Geology Department at Temple University in Philadelphia. Weeks’ research and discoveries in the field of geology have left a lasting impact on the scientific community.
Born on August 26, 1909, in Sherborn, Massachusetts, Alice Mary Dowse was raised alongside her twin sister Eunice. Their mother, Jessie Parker Dowse, was a strong advocate for education and women’s rights, instilling in her daughters the importance of learning from a young age. Their father, Arthur Dowse, was a banker who supported his daughters’ ambitions.
Weeks received her early education through homeschooling before attending Sawin Academy and Dowse High School, where she graduated in 1926. She went on to pursue higher education at Tufts University, where she obtained a degree in science and mathematics and graduated cum laude in 1930. Following her graduation, Weeks taught at the Lancaster School for Girls for a few years before returning to Tufts to study geology.
Weeks then enrolled in graduate school at Harvard University to further her studies in geology. She earned her master’s of science degree in 1934 and began working towards her doctorate. However, financial instability and the challenges faced by women in the field hindered her progress. Weeks allegedly had to sit outside of classrooms for certain lectures that did not admit women. Despite these obstacles, she remained determined to pursue her passion for geology.
In 1936, Weeks accepted a Research Fellowship at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania. After a year, she became a laboratory instructor at the college. During this time, she also worked as a professor at Wellesley College, where she taught courses on historical and physical geology, geomorphology, and cartography. Her expertise in cartography and her ambidexterity made her a valuable teacher, and she even taught map-making to Navy officers during World War II.
Weeks’ significant contributions to geology came in the form of her research and discoveries. In collaboration with Mary E. Thompson, she identified uranophane in 1953, a mineral named after her. Weeks was also the first to propose the concept of oxidation of ore deposits containing uranium, vanadium, and other accessory metals. Her innovative ideas and research in this area paved the way for further developments in the field.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Weeks was a staunch advocate for women in geology. She played a vital role in the establishment of the Geology Department at Temple University in Philadelphia. Her efforts in promoting women in geology have had a lasting impact on the field and have inspired future generations of women scientists.
Alice Mary Weeks married Dr. Albert Weeks, a petroleum geologist and her long-term friend and companion, in May 1950. Her husband’s support and motivation were instrumental in her career and in completing her dissertation.
Weeks’ legacy in the field of geology and her advocacy for women in science deserve recognition and praise. Her contributions have influenced the scientific community and strengthened the presence of women in geology. Alice Mary Weeks’s dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark not only on the field of geology but also on women’s history.