Rachel Carson (1907-1964), marine biologist and author of Silent Spring, inspired a 20th century environmental movement that led to President Richard Nixon forming the Environmental Protection Agency.

In her wildly popular book, Carson dramatized the impact of synthetic pesticides, including DDT. Chemical companies attempted to label her a hysterical woman and a Communist, but her research was validated, and pesticides became a major public issue with DDT eventually being banned.

Learn more about Rachel Carson.

This profile was prepared by the Chancellor's Commission on Women.