NASA mathematicians weren’t the only female scientists to be snubbed.
Similar to what the motion picture “Hidden Figures” did to expose the critical achievements of three women mathematicians in the success of NASA’s space program, Westfield State University’s naming of the Dr. Nettie Maria Stevens Science & Innovation Center aims to properly recognize an esteemed alumna’s seminal discoveries that significantly impacted science and society.
Sixty years prior to the story of Katherine Goble, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan, a young geneticist by the name of Dr. Nettie Maria Stevens published in 1905 studies in spermatogenesis with especial reference to the accessory chromosome. Her work led to sex determination by chromosomes and paved the path for future discoveries related to the identification of hereditary disease, the proper understanding and study of human and animal development, and the onset of forensic sciences.
“A building rightfully named in Dr. Stevens’ honor is our opportunity to celebrate a woman, teacher, and scientist, who was clearly before her time and exemplified attributes we hope to impress upon our current and future generations of students,” said Westfield State University President Ramon S. Torrecilha.
Westfield State University will host a naming ceremony and ribbon cutting for the recently opened Dr. Nettie Maria Stevens Science & Innovation Center on Friday, May 5 at 11 a.m. The event will take place just outside the new building. The naming and the nature of learning and research conducted in the building speak to the future of STEM-related fields in Western Massachusetts, across the state and around the nation.
“There are many ways to elevate the profile of an institution—the quality of teaching, the nature and level of research; the breadth of service to its community. However, nothing speaks louder than the legacy of its graduates,” added Torrecilha.
The naming idea was generated by faculty members—Department of Communication Chair Dr. Madeleine Cahill, Chemical and Physical Sciences faculty member Richard Rees and many others were involved in the discussions that led to the recommended naming, which was embraced by the Westfield State University Board of Trustees and ultimately approved by Massachusetts’ Board of Higher Education.
Stevens was born on July 7, 1861 in Cavendish, Vermont. She attended elementary schools in Westford, Mass., where her remarkable academic ability was noticed early on by her teachers. She attended Westford Academy for high school. Following a favorable teaching experience at a high school in New Hampshire, she decided to enroll at the teachers’ college in Westfield (Westfield Normal School).
Dr. Stevens completed a four-year course of study in just two years at the Westfield Normal School between the years of 1881-1883. She attended both Stanford University and Bryn Mawr College and published more than 40 scientific papers during her short lifetime before passing away at the age of 50 in 1912.
In addition to being a remarkable scientist, it was said that she was a “dedicated and inspired teacher.” Like many women scientists at the turn of the 20th century, those employed by NASA during the 1960s, and unfortunately even modern day women in predominantly male-led professions, Dr. Stevens’ work has not received appropriate acknowledgement. In 2013, her work was discussed in an issue of National Geographic under the title “6 Women Scientists who were Snubbed Due to Sexism.”
Torrecilha explained that Westfield State is committed to recognizing the contributions of all members of our community and appreciating our strong heritage as the first co-educational college in America to offer an education without barrier to race, gender or economic status.
According to those involved in the naming, Dr. Stevens legacy will help to inspire current and future women to choose to major in one of the sciences offered at Westfield State. Over the last decade, Westfield State has experienced a 44 percent increase in female faculty and a 109 percent increase in female science-related majors.
“We thank the many friends of the university who have contributed to the building’s success so far, including donors Brian and Kathy Stevens, very supportive area businesses, and our generous alumni,” said Westfield State Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Erica Broman.
