Through the years women have made significant contributions to the Chemistry Department. Some of our most celebrated early members were:
Frances Micklethwait (1868-1950), in the Department from 1898-1918 and working on antidotes for mustard gas during World War I. Unlike other London colleges, Chemistry never closed during either world war, and much valuable war research was carried out here. Micklethwaite was awarded an MBE for her work in 1918 for her work in chemical warfare.
Martha Whiteley (1866-1956) was a student here in 1892 and then on the staff from 1902-34, being appointed assistant professor in 1920. She did much wartime research and was awarded an OBE in 1920 and was instrumental in advancing women’s entry into the Chemical Society (now Royal Society of Chemistry).
Until her retirement, Margaret Goodgame was a much valued and popular staff member. She brought a collaborative spirit to the Chemistry Department when she joined in 1962 as a lecturer and was heavily involved in women’s issues and student support. She was a Tutor between 1993 and 1998, and was made an Associate of Imperial in 2001. We continue to miss Margaret and the impact that she brought to our community.
Professor Sue Gibson's research focused on transition metal chemistry and its applications in organic synthesis. In 2013, she was awarded an OBE for her services to chemistry and science education.