Women in Science Program

Dr. Linda Sweeting Remembered

Dr. Linda Sweeting suddenly passed away on September 28, 2003. Dr. Sweeting was born in Canada on December 11, 1941. Upon completion of her B. S. (1964) and M. A. (1965) from University of Toronto, she went to University of California, Los Angeles, for further studies. She completed her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1969 under the direction of Professor Frank Anet. She spent a year as an assistant professor at Occidental College, Los Angeles before coming to Towson. Dr. Sweeting came to Towson University as Assistant Professor in 1970. She was Professor of Chemistry since 1985.

Dr. Sweeting was a member of the original advisory committee that supported the creation of the Women In Science Program at Towson University. Most recently she served as a mentor for the Women In Science Program. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Dr. Sweeting's family, friends, colleagues and students.

In her 30-plus years at Towson, Dr. Sweeting had achieved a record of distinction in research, teaching and service. Her research interests in the chemistry of organic materials and spectroscopy led her to examine the phenomenon of triboluminescence, the emission of light when a crystal is crushed. Her pioneering work attracted international notice, not only in the scientific community, but also in the popular media: the glow from breakage of a wintergreen candy is an example of triboluminescence. Dr. Sweeting was chosen for a sabbatical appointment at the National Science Foundation and subsequently furthered her research in the laboratory of Professor George Whitesides at Harvard University. In addition to her work in physical organic chemistry she has written and spoken widely in the field of professional ethics for scientists. Her CHEM 301 course on that topic is a popular choice for the Advanced Composition General Education requirement. She also developed the Chemistry for Nonscientists course and made significant innovations in the teaching of Organic Chemistry. Dr. Sweeting mentored dozens of research students at Towson. She performed many important service functions for the Department, College and University. She was active in professional associations such as the American Chemical Society and Association for Women in Science. An energetic, articulate and supportive colleague, she will be missed by fellow faculty and students.