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.

Morales-Martínez's influence extends through pivotal roles in chemistry education and diversity initiatives. In the 1990s, the American Chemical Society tapped her for a taskforce to boost women and minorities in chemistry, culminating in her oversight of the ACS Scholars Program scholarship for over 400 chemical sciences majors nationwide across more than 25 years. She coordinated Florida International University's participation in the ACS Project SEED for high school students and served 21 years as an ACS Scholars Mentoring Consultant. Her exemplary service garnered the American Chemical Society Women Chemists Committee Regional Award for Contributions to Diversity in 2002, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring at the White House in 2018, and election as an ACS Fellow in 2020. Known affectionately as "Mama Z," she has transformed countless lives, fostering a legacy of inspiration in chemistry.