The Marie Curie Complex: The Hidden History of Women in Science

Julie Des Jardins looks at Marie Curie's American tours of the 1920s to discuss how Americans defined American science and womanhood earlier in the 20th century. The ways promoters treated Curie in the press have had lingering effects on American women scientists, who have been both inspired and discouraged by the larger-than-life iconic Curie. Des Jardins separates fact from fiction regarding Curie and her tours in order to elucidate the gendered culture of American science and to open discussion about how the culture can be regendered for the future.