Dixy Lee Ray (1914–94) was an American politician, scientist, and environmental activist, notable for her groundbreaking role as the first female governor of Washington State.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Ray earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and later obtained a master’s degree in marine biology from Stanford University. She was a professor and an accomplished scientist, serving as the director of the Pacific Science Center in Seattle.
Ray entered politics in the 1970s and was elected as governor in 1976, serving until 1980. During her tenure, she championed environmental causes and advocated for education and science policy, emphasizing the importance of research and innovation.
Ray authored several influential works, including The Empowered Patient (1993) and Agriculture in the Year 2000 (1994,) where she discussed the intersection of science, health, and public policy.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Dixy Lee Ray
The general public has long been divided into two parts those who think science can do anything, and those who are afraid it will.
—Dixy Lee Ray
Topics: Science
The reality is that zero defects in products plus zero pollution plus zero risk on the job is equivalent to maximum growth of government plus zero economic growth plus runaway inflation.
—Dixy Lee Ray
Topics: Industry
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