Dr. Constance Barsky was the first woman to earn her doctorate in Earth & Planetary Sciences here at WashU, and she did not stop there. From St. Louis, she went on to research in the Geology Department at University of Missouri, and then into industry.

WashU was not only where she made history, but also where she met her husband, Dr. Steven Katz. A WashU legacy (Steve’s parents, aunts and uncles were Bears), Steve earned both a bachelor’s in English and master’s in Earth & Planetary Sciences. He went on to earn an MBA from University of Missouri and a PhD from University of Texas.

Settling in Granville, OH, Steve and Constance both worked for many years as scientists at Owen Corning and ran a historic Victorian Bed & Breakfast. In the 1980’s, Constance returned to higher education in Chemistry and Physics at Ohio State University. Constance proudly served as President of the Alumni Society at Denison University, where she earned her bachelor’s, and in a variety of civic roles in Granville.

Constance passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of impact and community engagement. As Steve considered how to best honor her historical achievement at WashU, he connected with David Fike, Glassberg/Greenfelder Distinguished University Professor and Chair of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences.

During a recent trip back to St. Louis for a family reunion, Steve graciously donated Constance’s regalia and dissertation, Geochemistry of Basalts and Andesites from the Medicine Lake Highland, California, to the department.

“We are excited to have these mementos of Constance’s back in the department, highlighting her groundbreaking presence in the department and the remarkable career she led.”, says Fike.

A display with Constance’s regalia, dissertation, and a collection of pictures over the years can be found temporarily on the third floor of Rudolph Hall. These items will go into a permanent display in Rudolph Hall later this year.

Photos are of the current display on Floor 3 of Rudolph Hall.