Dorothy Martin Simon

Dorothy Martin Simon (September 18, 1919 – March 25, 2016) was an American physical chemist known for her work in space engineering, especially with aerospace combustion and the development of polymers. She made important contributions while at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) regarding heat shield construction and improvement of rocket engine designs that were critical to the success of the Apollo space program. Her work with DuPont resulted in the creation of synthetic polymers Dacron and Orlon.

In 1966 she was awarded the Society of Women Engineers Achievement Award, the highest honor the society bestows in recognition of her significant contributions to engineering administration and space engineering, especially combustion and ablative coatings.

Dr. Simon said of herself, "I was born into science. I knew the word chemistry before I learned to talk."

Early life and education Dorothy Martin was born on September 18, 1919 in Harwood, Vernon County, Missouri to Laudell M (née Flynn) (1892–1978) and Robert W. Martin.

She graduated Greenwood Grade and High School She was the first graduate to achieve a perfect score (4.0 GPA).

1949 - 1955 National Space and Aeronautics Administration (then National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA)) Lewis Research Center Fuels and Combustion Division. Assistant Branch Chief, Chemistry Branch.

Simon began work at Lewis Research Center, a division of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the predecessor of NASA. She conducted research regarding flame velocities and types of fuel for aerospace applications including studies to determine the minimum diameter of tubing necessary to maintain an engine flame. This led to Simon being credited in numerous technical publications and research papers, and led to improvements in engine designs for aeronautic and spaceflight purposes.

In 1965 she was appointed Director of Economic Systems Corporation, an Avco subsidiary that operated the largest girls' Job Corps Training Center at Poland Springs, Maine.

1n 1983, Dr. Dorothy Simon testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Science, Technology, and Space, stating that fire-related costs of building construction in the United States could be reduced by 40 percent through the use of modern fire technology.

1985 - 1993 Consultant

She operated her consulting firm, Simon Associated, from her home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Invited Lecturer, Advisory Group for Aeronautical Research and Development (AGARD) or NATO, Cambridge, England. 1953 Honorary Doctor of Science degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1971) Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Illinois (1983) Listed in American Men of Science, Who’s Who in the East, and Who’s Who of American Women.

Additional Reading Reed, Linda (2025). Chapter 19 "Dorothy Martin Simon". In Craig, Cecilia; Teig, Holly; Kimberling, Debra; Williams, Janet; Tietjen, Jill; Johnson, Vicki (eds.). Women Engineering Legends 1952-1976: Society of Women Engineers Achievement Award Recipients. Springer Cham.