Rate My Professor Zaida Morales-Martinez

Zaida Morales-Martínez, professor emeritus of chemistry at Florida International University, is renowned for her longstanding commitment to mentoring underrepresented students in chemistry and STEM fields. An analytical chemist by training, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico in 1957 and her Master of Science from Pennsylvania State University in 1962. Her professional career commenced as an assistant professor at the University of Puerto Rico from 1962 to 1967, followed by service as an instructor at Florida State University from 1967 to 1973. Joining the faculty of the newly founded Florida International University in 1973, she taught for 30 years, becoming the sole woman in her chemistry department. There, she shepherded younger colleagues straight from graduate school, advised undergraduates, sponsored the chemistry club, hosted elementary school children in university labs on Saturday mornings, and guided high school students during field trips across the city, instilling discipline and passion for science.