First Woman Scientist

Rachel Harris Larson was the first woman scientist in the NIDR intramural program. Larson began at the NIH Industrial Hygiene Laboratory in 1942 and was among the first 27 staff members hired by NIDR, earning M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry during off hours. Larson's research involved microbiological and genetic studies of dental caries in rats. Read the NIH Record story about Dr. Larson and her sister, “Dot” Murphy, a fellow long-time NIH employee.