Ellen Swallow Richards was born on December 3rd, 1842 in Massachusetts. From a young age, Richards both enjoyed and excelled at subjects in regards to math and science. Being homeschooled for a majority of her early childhood, Richards moved to Westword in 1859 to study under Westford academy, continuing to excel in math, science, and Latin. After graduating from Vassar College with a bachelor's degree, as well as master of arts degree, writing her thesis on the chemical composition and analysis of iron ore, she was recommended to MIT classified as a "special student", as it was uncommon for women to pursue such higher education. She then became a women's laboratory instructor, and advocated before the Women's Education Association in prioritizing the STEM education of women. She went on to teach home studies at several universities, integrating her background knowledge in chemistry in common classrooms.