Patsy Sherman

Patsy Sherman Early Life

Patsy Sherman was born on September 15, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an American chemist and inventor. She was behind revolutionary stain and water repellent product named Scotchgard.

During Sherman’s upbringing, women encountered major challenges in accessing quality education, especially in scientific fields. However, her father encouraged her to pursue her interests in science.

While in high school at Minneapolis North High School, Sherman disagreed with an aptitude test for girls that suggested a career as a “housewife.” She insisted on taking the boys’ test, which suggested she could be a dentist or scientist. Sherman graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1952 with a B.S. in chemistry and mathematics, becoming the first woman to do so at the institution.

Career at 3M

In 1952, Patsy Sherman joined the 3M company, initially as a “temporary” job because women were thought to leave their jobs after marriage. But Sherman spent her entire career at 3M, making significant contributions there.

The Invention of Scotchgard

Sherman’s most famous contribution came in 1953 when she was working with her colleague Samuel Smith to develop a rubber material resistant to jet aircraft fuels. Accidental spillage of the test compound on the lab assistant’s white canvas tennis shoes led to a surprising discovery – the spill area remained clean, the rest of the shoe was dirty and stained.

Realizing the potential of this accidental discovery, Sherman and Smith spent years developing a fluorochemical polymer that could remove oil and water from clothing. This invention became known as Scotchgard, which was introduced to the market in 1956..

Achievements and Recognition

 Throughout her career, Sherman achieved numerous milestones:

•  Co-holder of 13 patents with Samuel Smith in fluorochemical polymers and polymerization processes
• First woman inducted into 3M’s prestigious Carlton Society in 1974
• Inducted into the Minnesota Inventors Hall of Fame in 1989
• Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2001
• Received the Distinguished Alumni Citation for Scientific Research in 1975
• Awarded the Joseph M. Biedenbach Distinguished Service Award from the American Society for Engineering Education in 1991

Advocates for Women in Science

Patsy Sherman was an outspoken advocate for women in science. She encouraged girls to follow their dreams, saying, “Girls should follow their dreams. They can do anything anyone can do. Today, they have many more role models — not the least of whom have to be their moms.”

Later life and legacy

Sherman retired from 3M in 1992. She died on Feb. 19. 11, 2008, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire scientists and inventors.

The life story  of Patsy O’Connell Sherman is one of perseverance, innovation and coincidence. Her accidental discovery of Scotchguard and her subsequent invention not only revolutionized fabric preservation but also paved the way for women in the field of chemistry and invention.