alice hamilton: March 2010

1. Brittaney: What events early in your life might indicate or have sparked an interest in science?
Alice: When I was little I remember always being or playing outside. My dad also had an interest in science and as I grew up I began to like science more and more, which led me to who I am today.

2. Brittaney: What role did mentors play in developing talents/interests?
Alice: My sister supported me and my work very much.

3.Brittaney: What was the state of knowledge that existed in the areas of study when entered the field?
Alice: I was involved with the fields of: Medicine, Pathology, Bacteriologist, Health, Diseases, Manufacture and industrial Medicine.

4. Brittaney: What were the major accomplishments that you made?
Alice: I was the founder of occupational Medicine, and I was the first woman to receive the Lasker Award in public health.

5. Brittaney: What was the state of “the academy” you had and how did this impact your work?
Alice: I graduated from Michigan University and was the first woman to be appointed to the staff of Harvard Medical School. This impacted my work in many ways, because I experienced more hands on activities that made my work a lot easier and I got more information to help me with my work.

6. Brittaney: What were the prevalent philosophical and/or religious beliefs at the time?
Alice: At the time during imperialism it was mainly the religious belief of Christianity.

7. Brittaney: How did your ideas fit with or differ from the beliefs from the last question?
Alice: My ideas fit with the beliefs, because I am a christian.

8. Brittaney: What major cultural, economic, and political situations were taking place at the time of your work?
Alice: I was part of the delegation in support to stop WWI. The group later became the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. During 1869, when I was born many things were going on in the world like: the woman's right to vote, the State of the Union address and our first victory(Woman Suffrage).

9. Brittaney: What were the limitations as a scientist or as a person?
Alice: I was the white woman in the world of science with many other male scientist, so I had more of a challenge to be who I wanted to become today.

10. Brittaney: How were gender and class roles defined during this time frame?
Alice: There was many roles woman had to follow. And gender was very competitive.