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  1. FDA History Exhibits

Women Inspiring Innovation Through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Featured Women

Marion J. Finkel: Leader in Orphan Product Development

Marion J. Finkel (150px)

Her work on the regulation of generic drugs and products for rare diseases helped make valuable treatments more available.

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Sharon Smith Holston: Administrative Leadership in Vital Agency Initiatives

Sharon Holston (150px)

She made lasting contributions in the areas of equal employment opportunity, agency management, and international programs.

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Frances Oldham Kelsey: Medical reviewer famous for averting a public health tragedy

Frances Oldham Kelsey (Sm)

Her vigilance and insistence on proof of safety prevented marketing of thalidomide in the U.S.

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Ruth L. Kirschstein: Early role in polio vaccine research

Ruth L. Kirschstein (Sm)

She conducted research that helped make polio and other vaccines safer and later served as deputy associate commissioner for science.

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Susan Ellenberg: Statistician with a commitment to product safety and efficacy

Susan Ellenberg (150px)

Her work during the AIDS epidemic helped speed approval of new treatments.

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Imogene Gollinger: First Female Field Inspector

Imogene Gollinger (150px)

Hired after the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, her role as an FDA inspector was a harbinger of expanded career opportunities for women.

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Jane Henney: Physician and Commissioner of Food and Drugs

Jane Henney (150px)

She was FDA’s first female Commissioner during an era of increased representation of women in the FDA workforce, including in leadership roles.

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Effie Alberta Read: Pioneer in the Laboratory

Effie Alberta Read (150px)

One of the few women in the Bureau of Chemistry, she was noted for developing a method to detect adulterated teas.

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Mattie Rae Spivey Fox: Diet and Nutrition Researcher

Mattie Rae Spivey Fox (150px)

Her work in researching the role of trace minerals and toxins in the diet was known around the world.

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Ruth deForest Lamb: FDA’s First Chief Educational Officer

Ruth deforest Lamb

As FDA’s education officer, she was a strong advocate for consumers and a stronger federal food and drug statute.

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Mary Engle Pennington: The “Cold Chain” of Food Safety

Mary Engles Pennington - Women

Head of the Bureau of Chemistry’s Food Research Lab in the first years after passage of the 1906 Pure Food and Drugs Act.

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