Growth and Development of a Woman Scientist and Educator

Abstract

Isabel Fothergill Smith (November 15, 1890-September 16, 1990), Professor Emcrita of Geology and History of Science, Scripps College, Claremont California, began her career in geology and education with the tutelage and mentoring of Florence Bascom at Bryn Mawr College. After receiving her Ph.D. from that institution, Smith embarked upon her career in education as a geology professor at Smith College. In 1929, she became the first Dean at Scripps College, a newly founded women's college in southern California. After six years as Dean and a sabbatical studying history of science at Columbia and Harvard Universities, Smith returned to Scripps and taught history of science and geology there, as well as at Pomona College. She retired from teaching in 1954 and later wrote a biographical memoir of her mentor Florence Bascom.