Person

Harman, Mary T.

1877-1961

Mary Theresa Harman was born to Joseph Slingluff and Kezia (Allen) Harman on August 21, 1877 in Odon, Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University in 1907 with a bachelor's degree in botany, 1909 with a master's degree in biology, and in 1912 with a doctorate in zoology. She taught zoology at Pennsylvania State College from 1907 to 1909 and at Indiana University from 1909 to 1912. She began teaching at Kansas State Agricultural College in 1912 specializing in embryology and cytology classes. Besides teaching Mary was involved in the beginnings of both the KSU Social Club and the Kappa Alpha chapter of the Chi Omega sorority, both are still active here at K-State. During the summer she worked at the Woods Hole Marine Biological Station and in 1925 and 1927 at the University of Washington Biological Station at Puget Sound. In 1928 she went to Europe to visit different educational institutions and do research. While in Europe she began to write an embryology textbook that was published in 1932 and used here in the U.S. as well as in China, India, and some South American countries. During her years at K-State she published many scientific papers both alone and with others that furthered knowledge in her scientific fields. Other organizations she was involved in were Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi, Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta, American Society of Zoologists, Genetics Society of America, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 1948 Mary officially stopped teaching at K-State although she continued to teach a cytology course for seven years afterwards. In 1955 she moved to Camden, North Carolina. She passed away on July 15, 1961.
1877                Born in Odon, Indiana on August 21
1906                Summer spent as a Pioneer Maiden with 7 other women
1907                Graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Botany
1907 - 1909    Taught zoology at Pennsylvania State College
1909                Graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Arts in Biology
1909-1912      Taught zoology at Indiana University
1912                Graduated from Indiana University with a Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology
1912-1948      Professor at K-State, taught embryology and cytology
1925                Spent summer at University of Washington Biological station
1926                Served as President of the Kansas Academy of Science
1927                Spent summer at University of Washington Biological station
1928-1929              Spent abroad visiting biological institutions in Europe
1948                Officially retired from teaching at K-State
1955                Moved to Camden, North Carolina
1961                Passed away July 15

Creator Source: Local Authority File