Mary Somerville: The First Scientist

Cierra Revelle

This project is on the life, struggles, and legacy of Mary Fairfax Grieg Somerville. Mrs. Somerville was the first person named a ‘scientist’, during a period where women were not permitted to study in the fields of science or mathematics. However, she was able to teach herself concepts in mathematics and science, enter male dominated scientific societies, and have discussions among the leading men of science throughout Europe in the 19th century. She published several treatises about the physical sciences, geography, and astronomy while still being a caring mother, attentive wife, and voracious student throughout her long life. Mrs. Somerville’s contributions to the mathematical and scientific communities paved the way for a new wave of research and discovery in the English world through her works which provided explanations that were simple enough for those not learned in these fields to comprehend the complex topics of mathematics and science. She fought throughout her life for women’s education and their entrance into the fields of mathematics and science, so that no woman would have to go through the stigma that she had to fight her entire life. This poster will present the life, struggles, and motivations that molded Mrs. Somerville into a woman who pursued her interests despite societal taboos and paved the way for the future generations of women in science and mathematics.

• Cierra Revelle is a junior mathematics major who graduated from Apex Friendship High School in 2019. She is a member of the Lander Women’s Basketball team, president of Lander FCA, and is interning this summer with Barringer Construction. After her time at Lander, Cierra plans to pursue a master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management.