Born: 1892 (Gallatin, Missouri)
Died: 1984
Biography:
Icie Gertrude Macy Hoobler (July 23, 1892 – January 6, 1984) was an American biochemist who dedicated her career to researching human nutrition, with a particular focus on the well-being of mothers and children. Despite facing discrimination due to her gender, Hoobler broke barriers and achieved remarkable success in the field of chemistry. She became the first woman to chair a local section of the American Chemical Society and received 22 prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her laboratory’s groundbreaking research.
Hoobler’s passion for science and concern for children’s wellness stemmed from her upbringing on a farm in Gallatin, Missouri. As a young girl, she closely observed the maturation of animals and explored her family’s property, sparking her interest in scientific inquiry. However, her fascination with children’s well-being was catalyzed by a childhood trip to the mountains of Arkansas, where she encountered sick children living in impoverished conditions. This experience ignited a deep sense of compassion in Hoobler, driving her to pursue research that would improve the health of mothers and their infants.
Against her own wishes, Hoobler’s parents encouraged her to attend Central Female College in Lexington, Missouri. It was during her time at Central College that she met her first mentor, Lily Egbert, a biology teacher who recognized Hoobler’s potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in science. Energized by this newfound passion, Hoobler enrolled at the University of Chicago, majoring in chemistry with a minor in physics. Her advisor at the university recognized her talent and sent her to the University of Colorado at Boulder to teach inorganic chemistry.
In 1918, Hoobler earned her master’s degree from the University of Colorado, where her research focused on improving autopsy procedures and refining methods for extracting tungstic acid from tungsten ores. Alongside her studies, she also served as a teaching assistant in the physiological chemistry course at the medical school. Determined to continue her academic journey, Hoobler entered a Ph.D. program at Yale University, specializing in physiological chemistry.
Yale’s admission of only a few female graduate students at the time posed additional challenges for Hoobler. Discrimination against women led to difficulties in finding suitable housing near campus, as landlords deemed them bothersome. Undeterred, Hoobler joined the Graduate Women’s Club and actively worked to improve living arrangements for female students. Her tenacity and advocacy led to the university eventually providing on-campus housing for female graduate students.
During a lecture on the dairy and milk industry at Yale, Hoobler’s professor encouraged the women in attendance to pursue research on human nutrition. This inspired Hoobler to shift the focus of her studies and dedicate her future research to improving the health of mothers, infants, and children. This newfound passion guided her career and shaped her contributions to the field of biochemistry.
Following the completion of her Ph.D. at Yale, Hoobler embarked on her professional career at Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, where she worked as an assistant chemist. However, her gender presented significant barriers, as the hospital only provided restrooms for men. Undeterred, Hoobler persevered, using a restroom in another facility to continue her vital work. Her determination and commitment to her research helped pave the way for future generations of women in science.
Throughout her illustrious career, Hoobler’s groundbreaking research in human nutrition brought her numerous accolades. She became the first woman to chair a local section of the American Chemical Society, a significant milestone in the advancement of women in science. Her laboratory’s contributions to the field were recognized with 22 awards and honors, highlighting the significance and impact of her work on society and women’s history.
Icie Hoobler’s legacy as a pioneering biochemist and advocate for women’s rights continues to inspire generations of scientists. Her unwavering dedication to improving maternal and child health, despite facing countless obstacles, serves as a testament to her resilience and trailblazing spirit. Through her research and advocacy, Hoobler left an indelible mark on the field of biochemistry and played a crucial role in advancing women’s representation in science.
Awards:
– First woman to chair a local section of the American Chemical Society
– 22 awards and honors for her laboratory’s research in human nutrition.