We know about the dangers of high cholesterol and how smoking can damage the lungs thanks to a variety of medical researchers including Queens, New York native Marie Maynard Daly. Daly grew up with a fascination for science; it was a fascination she inherited from her father. Unfortunately, economic circumstances prevented her father from getting a degree in chemistry. Daly took the challenge and ran with it. In just one year, she completed her master’s degree. She was awarded her doctoral degree in 1947, only three years after enrolling in the program, and was the first African-American woman to obtain a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States. In 1955, Daly taught biochemistry at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. She began collaborating with Dr. Quentin B. Deming to investigate the underlying causes of heart attacks. They found that high cholesterol levels contributed to the blockage of arteries that supply oxygen to the heart. Daly also investigated the effects of sugar on the function of coronary arteries. Later, she became a pioneer in studying the impact of cigarette smoking on the lungs. Daly also served as an investigator for the American Heart Association. In addition to doing research, Daly enjoyed teaching medical students and was dedicated to increasing the number of minority students enrolled in medical schools. In 1988 she established a scholarship for African American chemistry and physics majors at Queens College in memory of her father.
