First Student’s Diversity & Inclusion Council (D&IC) is proud to recognize Stephanie Louise Kwolek for Women’s History Month.
Stephanie was an American chemist who is best known for the development of Kevlar, a synthetic fiber and highly versatile material used in more than 200 applications including car and bicycle tires.
Stephanie developed an early interest in science due to the influence of her father, who was a naturalist. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University. She worked for DuPont for more than 40 years and made numerous contributions to research in polymer chemistry, including the invention of Kevlar. Her team was searching for a lightweight and strong fiber to be used specifically in tires.
Stephanie dedicated her life to her profession and in 2003 was added to the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 90.