Betty Harris, Invented Explosive Spot Test
Harris was destined to make something of her skills and knowledge.
Harris taught chemistry at Mississippi Valley State University, Southern University's New Orleans campus and at Colorado College.
But teaching chemistry wasn't what Harris was really aiming for. She wanted to put her education to practical use.
So Harris began her career working as a visiting staff member at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Her work there focused on field and laboratory studies of geological processes related to environmental issues.
After working in the research field, Harris decided she wanted to be a research chemist. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.
Her work as a research chemist at Los Alamos led her to work in the areas of hazardous waste treatment and environmental restoration facilities contaminated with materials such as gun propellants and explosives.
Her research in this area led her to invent a spot test to identify explosives in a field environment. She obtained a patent for her invention of this spot test and received the 1999 New Mexico Governor's Trailblazer Award for her achievement.
"I received the notification in the mail that I had been nominated and oh, it was a wonderful surprise and made me smile," said Harris. "Then when I found out that I had been selected, that really elevated me adrenaline.
"It is so exciting and at the same [time] very humbling to realize that other people appreciate who you are and what you do in life, said Harris. "I sincerely appreciate this award and the person or people who nominated me."[1]
Harris has worked with the Girl Scouts to develop a chemistry badge, similar to the chemistry merit badge received by Boy Scouts.
Harris served on the African American Diversity Working Group, has been actively involved in science education outreach programs, served as president of the New Mexico Business and Professional Women's organization and holds membership in the American Chemical Society.
Harris was also profiled in a 1996 "Women in Science" compact disc produced for the National Science Foundation.
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Published by Penny White
Writer since the age of ten and artist for the last few years. A big fan of NCIS, Dean Koontz and women's history. I write empowering and uplifting words for women found at www.penspen.info. I am also servan... View profile
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