Born: 1927 (Greenville, South Carolina)
Died: 1967
Biography:
Alma Levant Hayden (March 27, 1927 – August 2, 1967) was an American chemist and a pioneering figure in the field of science. She made significant contributions to spectroscopy and became one of the first African-American women to hold a scientist position at a science agency in Washington, D.C.
Hayden was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on March 27, 1927. She graduated with honors from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, a historically black college, in 1947. While initially planning to pursue a career in nursing, Hayden’s passion for chemistry led her to pursue further studies in the field. She went on to obtain a master’s degree in chemistry from Howard University, solidifying her expertise in the subject.
In the 1950s, Hayden joined the National Institutes of Health (NIH) at the National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases. During her time at the NIH, she made significant advancements in spectrophotometry, a technique used to measure how substances absorb light. Her expertise in this field earned her recognition, and she published numerous papers on infrared and other techniques for analyzing chemicals in various scientific journals.
In the mid-1950s, Hayden transitioned to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where she potentially became the first African-American scientist to work at the agency. This achievement was particularly noteworthy, considering the historical reluctance to employ African-Americans in scientific roles that involved giving testimony in court proceedings. However, Hayden’s talent and dedication allowed her to break down barriers and pave the way for future African-American scientists.
In 1963, Hayden was appointed Chief of the Spectrophotometer Research Branch in the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the FDA. It was during this time that she gained national attention for her work. Leading a team, she played a crucial role in exposing the common substance in Krebiozen, an alternative and expensive drug that was promoted as an anti-cancer treatment. Hayden’s research showed that Krebiozen contained creatine, a substance that occurred naturally in the body at higher levels than in the drug itself. Moreover, scientific studies had proven that creatine had no impact on cancer in animals. This exposure debunked the claims surrounding Krebiozen and ultimately contributed to increased drug safety regulations.
Hayden’s pursuit of scientific excellence and her groundbreaking contributions have left a lasting impact on the field of chemistry. Her achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations, particularly women and African-Americans aspiring to pursue careers in science. Alma Levant Hayden’s legacy continues to shape the scientific community and her story stands as a testament to the power of determination and resilience.