User:WithGusto/Marguerite Williams

Marguerite Thomas Williams (born Marguerite Thomas; December 24, 1895 – August 17, 1991) was an American geologist. She was the first African American to earn a doctorate in geology in the United States and dedicated most of her career to teaching geography and social sciences. '''Williams is a pioneer among geoscientists in recognizing how human activity and landscape management impact erosional processes and the risks of natural flooding. '''

Personal life
'''Marguerite Thomas was the last of six children born to Henry C. and Clara E. Thomas and was raised near Washington, D. C. Thomas’ interest in nature, geology, and geography began when she was a young child. After graduating from Columbia University, Thomas married Otis James Williams, D.D.S., and took his surname.'''

Education
Thomas attended Normal School for Colored Girls, later renamed Miner Teachers College and now known as the University of the District of Columbia. She graduated from the two-year teacher-training program at the University of the District of Columbia (then called Normal School for Colored Girls) in June 1916, with a scholarship to Howard University. Kelly Miller of Howard University delivered the address to the graduates and a song, written by Thomas for the occasion, was sung. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University in 1923 where she was mentored by African American biologist Ernest Everett Just. While Thomas was more qualified, Just chose Roger Arliner Young, another talented black woman he mentored, instead of Thomas for a position as an assistant professor at Howard University. Thomas completed her master's degree in geology at Columbia University in 1930.

In 1942, she completed her PhD dissertation, The History of Erosion in the Anacostia Drainage Basin at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. This made her the first African American to earn a doctorate in geology in the United States. Her dissertation was later published by the Catholic University of America Press.

Career
'''Between 1946-47, out of the 11,000 employed scientists in the field of geology, only 3% were female. As a black woman, Marguerite Thomas Williams faced obstacles unique to other women. These obstacles increased after she was married and turned forty. Women in these categories were often employed at levels far beneath their training or skill level. Women pursuing advancements in science experience a lack of mentoring, struggle to gain respect and credibility from peers and administrators, are burdened to act as caregivers to their families, face overt discrimination, and encounter harassment/sexual harassment. African American women enrolled in doctoral programs have a high rate of isolation, lack of guidance and support from the faculty, and few opportunities to advance professionally.''' While earning her bachelor's degree, Thomas worked as an elementary school teacher. After finishing her degree, she returned to the University of the District of Columbia to teach as an assistant professor and work with the school's theater group. After gaining her PhD in 1942, she was promoted to full professor at the University of the District of Columbia. For a decade, from 1923 to 1933, she was Chair of the Division of Geography at the University of the District of Columbia. Once Willaims was promoted to full professor, she began teaching night classes at Howard University while continuing her position at the University of the District of Columbia. Williams spent most of her career teaching courses on geology and the social sciences. She retired in 1955.

Legacy
Since 2020, the Marguerite T. Williams Award has been presented annually by the American Geophysical Union to mid-career scientists who have significantly contributed to the research or community building in earth and planetary surface processes studies. The research done by Williams on fluvial sedimentology has impacted studies of fluvial sediments on Mars by the Mars Science Laboratory and the Perseverance rover.