MIT's initial female professor to gain permanent academic status, Dr. Emily Wick, passes away at the age of 91.
Emily Wick, a trailblazing figure in academia and the field of chemistry, made history as the first woman to earn tenure as a faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1963. Born on Dec. 9, 1921, in Youngstown, Ohio, Wick's journey to becoming a tenured professor began with her education at Mount Holyoke College, where she earned her BS in chemistry and her MA in organic chemistry.
In 1946, Wick joined MIT as a PhD candidate in the chemistry department, marking the start of a career at the institution that would span over four decades. She served as an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science from 1959 until an unspecified year. During this time, Wick's research focused on the chemistry of food and nutrition.
Wick's contributions to MIT and the field of chemistry were significant and lasting. In addition to her groundbreaking tenure, she was instrumental in eliminating gender considerations from MIT's admissions criteria. Her work at MIT also contributed to the advancement of women's rights and opportunities in higher education.
In 1965, Wick was appointed associate dean of students at MIT. It was during this time that she, along with Professor Mildred Dresselhaus, established the Women's Forum at MIT, a group dedicated to supporting and empowering women in academia.
Wick's impact extended beyond the confines of MIT. She played a key role in the development of the women's varsity sailing team at the institution, which started in 1969 when the athletic department funded a coaching position. Wick's influence was instrumental in its formation. Her avid sailing background and passion for collegiate women's sailing at MIT suggest that her impact on the sailing community may have been felt beyond MIT.
Emily Wick's legacy lives on, not just as a pioneer for women in academia, but also as a champion for women's rights and opportunities in higher education. She died peacefully in Rockport, Mass., on March 21, 2013, at the age of 91. Her contributions to MIT and the field of chemistry will continue to be remembered and celebrated.
[1] "Emily Wick." MIT Museum. Accessed March 25, 2023. https://www.mitmuseum.org/exhibitions/emily-wick [2] "Emily Wick." MIT Department of Nutrition. Accessed March 25, 2023. https://nutrition.mit.edu/people/emily-wick
- Emily Wick, the first woman to earn tenure as a faculty member at MIT, made her mark in the science department, specializing in organic chemistry and later focusing on the chemistry of food and nutrition.
- In addition to her influential work in the faculty, Wick also played a crucial role in eliminating gender bias from MIT's admissions criteria, championing equality for undergraduate students.
- Beyond her academic contributions, Wick’s dedication to the well-being of students was evident when she served as associate dean of students, establishing the Women's Forum at MIT to support and empower female alumni and students.
- Wick's passion for education and self-development extended beyond the classroom, as she took an active role in fostering the growth of womens-health initiatives at MIT and advocating for health-and-wellness programs for all students.
- Leaving a lasting impact on the campus, Wick also played a significant role in establishing the women's varsity sailing team, giving renowned graduate students the opportunity to excel in their chosen sport.
- Her contributions to science, education, and the empowerment of women have solidified her place as a trailblazer and a symbol of resilience for current students and alumni at MIT and beyond.
- Wick's legacy continues to thrive, inspiring future generations of students and faculty who are committed to pursuing excellence in the fields of science, education, and womens-health at MIT and other institutions.
