Life
When was I Born?
I was born on July 25, 1920.
Where did I go to High school?
I began high school at St Paul’s Girls’ School in 1931, at age 11.
What did I discover during my studies regarding coal?
My investigations into the porosity of coal sparked the idea of high-strength carbon fibers, such as modern composite materials.
What hardship did I face at 15?
When I was 15 I wanted nothing more than to be a scientist but my father did not approve because it was difficult for a woman to have a career in a science field.
Did I get along with Maurice Wilkins at King's laboratory?
No, Maurice expected me to be his assistant which was not the case and this caused a lot of tension between the two of us.
In which town was I born?
I was born in London England.
Where did I go to college and what did I study?
I enrolled at Newnham College, Cambridge, in 1938 and studied chemistry.
What did I use X-ray diffraction research for?
I used X-ray diffraction to analyze complex, unorganized matter such as large biological molecules, and not just single crystals.
What was the first hardship I faced at King's College?
I was expected to interrupt my work and leave the building for lunch every day. Since Women were not allowed in the College cafeteria.
Was I successful working with any other scientists at King's?
Yes, I was successful while working with Raymond Gosling. When working with Gosling I was almost able to determine that DNA was a helical structure.
Why did my scientific career come to an unexpected end?
Unfortunately I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a very young age.
When did I graduate with my Bachelor's Degree?
I graduate with my Bachelor's Degree in 1941.
While at King's College what did I discover?
During my time at King College I discovered that the DNA structure is a double helix.
What was another hardship I faced at King's College?
I was just being expected to be an assistant, rather than being my own scientist.
Did I give Maurice Wilkins my notes on DNA?
Unfortunately, when i left King’s college some how my notes ended up with Maurice Wilkins and he shared the information on the notes with Watson and Crick.
How many articles did I write in my 16 year career?
I wrote 46 articles, 19 articles were over carbons and coals, 5 on DNA, and 21 on Viruses.
Did I win the Nobel prize along with Maurice Wilkins, James Watson, and Francis Crick?
No, I was never given credit for the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA.
What is the Nickname that I was given?
My nickname is the Dark Lady of DNA