Alice Hamilton

Alice Hamilton (February 27, 1869 – September 22, 1970) was an American physician, research scientist, and author. She was a leading expert in the field of <a href="/facts/Occupational_health/ko1IeS92">occupational health</a>, laid the foundation for health and safety protections, and a pioneer in the field of <a href="/facts/Occupational_toxicology/PvzlEFdR">industrial toxicology</a>. She led efforts to reduce lead poisoning.
Hamilton trained at the <a href="/facts/Michigan_Medicine/ncGQI69z">University of Michigan Medical School</a>. Her residency at <a href="/facts/Hull_House/9EemV4q5">Hull House</a> in <a href="/facts/Chicago/yPMokrXH">Chicago</a> from 1897 to 1919 put her in contact with an extensive demographic of working-class households, and the work-life dangers they faced. She also became a professor of pathology at the <a href="/facts/Feinberg_School_of_Medicine/KCzrtHwx">Woman's Medical School</a> of <a href="/facts/Northwestern_University/4dunJHBf">Northwestern University</a> in 1897. In 1919, she became the first woman appointed to the faculty of <a href="/facts/Harvard_University/Lhy9L1cx">Harvard University</a>.
Her scientific research focused on the study of occupational illnesses and the dangerous effects of industrial metals and <a href="/facts/Chemical_compound/37FXqqtv">chemical compounds</a>. In addition to her scientific work, Hamilton was a social-welfare reformer, humanitarian, and peace activist. She received numerous honors and awards, including the <a href="/facts/Albert_Lasker_Public_Service_Award/avGWzTxI">Albert Lasker Public Service Award</a>. Her work led to improvements in safety and regulation, and is sometimes credited with leading to the founding of the United States' <a href="/facts/Occupational_Safety_and_Health_Administration/dCGbW5Ax">Occupational Safety and Health Administration</a>.

Alice Hamilton open-in-new

Alice Hamilton