BHS Day 26: Ruth Moore

Hi! For the final MTS Spotlight this year I wanted to go back to the Science third, which I feel never gets a fair shake when compared to the coverage I do of the other two parts of this section. I want to focus on more Blacks in STEM and science fields in future installments of the series, so I figured let's kick things off today. Today's entrant doesn't have a ton of notables, but the ones she does have are extremely important, for both Blacks and women in STEM fields. As is the case with the other people I feature in this series every year, today's entrant was a pioneer in her field, one of the quiet dark horses of the field she entered. Through her work, she helped to further research--which leads to answers and resources--, which went a long way to improving a number of health issues, and at very least showing other Blacks and women that if she could do it, they could do it too. I don't know if that was necessarily her point, but that's partly what I take from it. Researchers often don't get their due, but I think they deserve it. Anyway, let's get into it! 

Source

Name: Ruth Ella Moore, 1903-1994

Profession: Bacteriologist, seamstress, educator

Why is the Spotlight on her today? For her accomplishments in education and science and her contributions to furthering medical research

Notables:

--Was the first Black woman to earn a PhD in natural sciences, with a specialty in bacteriology

--Taught hygiene and English classes during college at what is now Tennessee State University

--Was hired as an assistant professor at Howard University's Medical College

--Served as Howard's Head of the Bacteriology department and was promoted to associate professor

--Focused the bulk of her career on researching blood groups, the gut's microbiotic response to antibiotics, gum decay, and immunology

--Wrote her collegiate thesis on tuberculosis, focusing on the bacteria that causes the disease and her explanation of her tests on phlegm and urine with the intention to concentrate specifically on the tubercule bacilli

--Served as the associate professor of emeritus of microbiology at the university until her retirement

--Was given two honorary degrees throughout her career, a Doctorate in Literature from Oberon College and a Doctorate in Philosophy from Gettysburg University

--Was a member of the American Public Health Association

--Had three articles based on her research and findings published on at least three occasions

--Was an accomplished seamstress, creating most of her own garments, which were posthumously given to the Historic Costumes and Textiles at her alma mater Ohio State University

--Is featured along with other notable females in science in the book Women in Microbiology

Further reading and resources:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Quote of the Day:

"Each woman featured in Women in Microbiology has done so much to expand our knowledge of the natural world while also making it easier for the next generation of scientists to work collaboratively and in an atmosphere where people are judged by their intellect, imagination, skill, and commitment to service regardless of gender or race."

-Women in Microbiology overview

Today's organization: Black AIDS Institute

What does this organization provide? Advocacy and HIV-related services and education to the Black community. Their major goal is health justice, ensuring that the Black community is not only aware of the disproportionate numbers of Blacks affected by HIV and AIDS in comparison to other races, but that they are aware of their rights and resources when receiving help and treatment. They also dedicate a lot of their resources and time into the research behind HIV and the Black community. 

Donate | Programs | Get Involved

See you tomorrow!