Lost Women of Science cover image

Lost Women of Science

Who was Christine Essenberg? A remarkable zoologist almost lost to history

Oct 5, 2023
Christine Essenberg, an unusual zoologist, with a remarkable career trajectory and a serendipitous find. Her journey from researcher to teacher. Uncovering lost women in science and the challenges faced by archivists. Exploring the story of Christine Essenberg and the efforts of researchers to delve into her work. The remarkable accomplishments of Christine Essenberg and her impact on inspiring girls in science.
29:59

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The accidental discovery of Christine Essenberg's letters raises awareness about the hidden stories of lost women scientists in archives.
  • Essenberg's letters shed light on the challenges faced by women scientists in a male-dominated field, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in STEM.

Deep dives

The Discovery of Christine Essenberg's Letters

While researching the papers of a renowned scientist at UC San Diego, the host accidentally stumbles upon Folder 29, containing eight pages of letters written by Christine Essenberg. The letters reveal Essenberg's concerns about her dying sister, her desire to publish her research, and her decision to leave for Constantinople. The discovery sparks curiosity about how many similar folders are hidden away in archives, offering glimpses into the lives of lost women scientists.

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