Born: July 14, 1862 (Williamstown, Massachusetts)
Died: June 18, 1945
Biography:
Florence Bascom (July 14, 1862 – June 18, 1945) was an American pioneer for women as a geologist and educator. Bascom became an anomaly in the 19th century when she earned two bachelor’s degrees. Earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1882, and a Bachelor of Science in 1884 both at the University of Wisconsin. Shortly after, in 1887, Bascom earned her master’s degree in geology at the University of Wisconsin. Bascom was the second woman to earn her PhD in geology in the United States, in 1893. Receiving her PhD from Johns Hopkins University, this made her the first woman to earn a degree at the institution. After earning her doctorate in geology, in 1896 Bascom became the first woman to work for the United States Geological Survey as well as being one of the first women to earn a master’s degree in geology. Bascom was known for her innovative findings in this field, and led the next generation of female geologists. Geologists consider Bascom to be the first woman geologist in America.
Early life:
Florence Bascom was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on July 14, 1862. The youngest of five children, Bascom came from a family who, unlike most at the time, encouraged women’s entrance into society. Her father, John Bascom, was a professor at Williams College, and later president of the University of Wisconsin. He was the driving factor of her career and her first contact in the field of geology. Her mother, Emma Curtiss Bascom, was a women’s rights activist involved in the suffrage movement. Her parents were steadfast supporters of women’s rights and encouraged women to obtain a college education. Her father became the president of the University of Wisconsin in 1874. One year later in 1875, the university began accepting women and Bascom Hill, within the Madison campus, was named after the family and their legacy.
Florence Bascom had a very close relationship with her father and he played a very influential role in her life. Her father had struggled with mental illness and would often take his children exploring into the mountains. These explorations and the various scientific instruments they had in their household encouraged her to have an interest in sciences. Florence graduated with high grades from Madison High School at the age of 16.
Education:
Bascom graduated from the University of Wisconsin with two bachelor’s degrees. The first degree was in arts which was received in 1882 and the second was a Bachelor of Science in 1884. Bascom also received her master’s in geology in 1887 at the same university and this is where she discovered her interest in geology but specifically in the very unknown field at that time – petrography.
After completing her master’s, Bascom further pursued her studies and earned her PhD in geology from Johns Hopkins University in 1893. This achievement marked her as the first woman to earn a degree at the institution. Her doctoral research focused on the petrography and structure of certain rock formations in the Virginia Blue Ridge.
Career:
Following the completion of her doctoral studies, Bascom returned to the University of Wisconsin as a lecturer in geology. She introduced new courses to the curriculum and played a key role in developing the geology department. In 1896, she became the first woman to work for the United States Geological Survey.
Bascom’s research focused on petrology, a field that studies the composition and origin of rocks. She traveled extensively across the United States, conducting geological surveys and mapping rock formations. Her work contributed to a greater understanding of the geological history of various regions.
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Bascom faced numerous challenges and discrimination. Many male scientists doubted her abilities and dismissed her contributions. However, Bascom persevered and continued to produce groundbreaking research. She became a respected figure in the field of geology and inspired the next generation of female geologists.
In addition to her research and teaching, Bascom also advocated for women’s rights and opportunities in higher education. She believed that women had a rightful place in the sciences and actively encouraged more women to pursue careers in geology.
Awards:
– Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Utah in 1923.
– Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Michigan in 1928.
– Honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Wisconsin in 1930.
– Honorary Doctorate of Science from Smith College in 1932.
– Honorary Doctorate of Science from Mount Holyoke College in 1936.
Florence Bascom’s contributions to the field of geology and her trailblazing achievements as a woman have left a lasting legacy. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion for her work have inspired countless women in the sciences and continue to be celebrated in the field of geology today.