In Memoriam: Laura Mays Hoopes

Laura L. Mays Hoopes, Halstead-Bent Emerita Professor of Biology at Pomona College in Claremont, California,, passed away on October 24. An avid advocate for women in science, she served as Pomona College’s vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college from 1993 to 1998. She was the first scientist and woman appointed dean of the college at Pomona.

Prior to her time at Pomona College, Dr. Hoopes served in several roles at Occidental College in Los Angeles from faculty in the biology and biochemistry departments to associate dean of faculty. She also served as the president of the Council on Undergraduate Research, a professional organization that promotes quality mentored undergraduate research. Dr. Hoppes was the author of the memoir Breaking Through the Spiral Ceiling: An American Woman Becomes a DNA Scientist (2010, 2013).

A native of Virginia, who grew up in North Carolina, Dr. Hoopes earned her bachelor’s degree in biological science from Goucher College in Baltimore. She held a Ph.D. in biology from Yale University. Later in life, she earned a master of fine arts degree in English at San Diego State University in 2013. Professor Hoopes retired from her faculty post at Pomona College in 2015.