Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards

Ellen Henrietta Swallow Richards (1842-1911) was a pioneering American chemist and the first woman to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She significantly contributed to the field of sanitation and environmental science, advocating for clean water and healthy living conditions. Richards played a crucial role in establishing the field of sanitary engineering and was a key figure in the development of home economics, emphasizing the importance of science in everyday life. Her work laid the foundation for studies in nutrition, health, and domestic science, influencing social reform and education for women in the late 19th century.