Biographical Information- Born in 1924
- Birthplace: Minden, Louisiana
- Race: African American
- Schooling: Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1948 from Tennessee A&I State University
- Profession: Microbiologist
Why is she important?
Dorothy McClendon is an important microbiologist in our time. Contamination was a major probem fro the United States Military in their fuel and storage materials. McClendon developed a way to prevent microorganismsm from harming them. This has allowed the military to not lose fuel and supplies. She is currently working on devleoping a fungicide that would prevent the lose of materials and not harm those that come into contact with it.
What diversity did she overcome?
Dorothy McClendon is an African American woman active in science today. The area of science is a predominately male dominated subject. Her work with the military places her in a job position where the majority of her bosses and employees are male. McClendon demonstrates that science and the military are not "male" jobs. She is setting the example that women can enter any profession they desire if they educate and work hard.
Professional Memberships: These memberships demonstrate that she understands the importance of continued education in her field of study. These organizations are strategic in lobbying for their profession.
- Michigan Society of Professional Engineers
- Detroit Central Business District Association
- Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University
References
Brown, M. (2000). Dorothy McClendon. The Faces of Science: African Americans in Sciences. Retreived from https://webfiles.uci.edu/mcbrown/display/mcclendon.html.
