Alice Hamilton



Born: February 27, 1869; Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Died: September 22, 1970 (aged 101); Hadlyme, Connecticut

Scientific career
Fields: Occupational health, industrial toxicology
Institutions: Woman's Medical School of Northwestern University;
Memorial Institute for Infectious Diseases;
Harvard Medical School

Alice Hamilton (February 27, 1869 – September 22, 1970) was an American physician, research scientist, and author who is best known as a leading expert in the field of occupational health and a pioneer in the field of industrial toxicology.

Hamilton trained at the University of Michigan Medical School. She became a professor of pathology at the Woman's Medical School of Northwestern University in 1897. In 1919, she became the first woman appointed to the faculty of Harvard University.

Her scientific research focused on the study of occupational illnesses and the dangerous effects of industrial metals and chemical compounds. In addition to her scientific work, Hamilton was a social-welfare reformer, humanitarian, peace activist, and a resident-volunteer at Hull House in Chicago from 1887 to 1919. She was the recipient of numerous honors and awards, most notably the Albert Lasker Public Service Award for her public-service contributions.

{snip}