With a lifespan of just 66 years, Marie Curie became a pioneering woman in academia. Her research on radioactivity, which ironically caused her death, led her to become the first and only woman to win not only two Noble Prizes but in several branches of science. Thanks to his commitment and determination, he changed the world today by advancing medical science. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Born in Poland in 1867, Maria Sklodowska grew up in a well-educated family. Both of her parents inspired Marie to explore the scientific world. Surprisingly, Marie excelled academically from a young age. Despite winning a gold medal and topping her school at the end of secondary school, Marie failed to enroll at the University of Warsaw. Therefore, he enrolled in a floating university that was held clandestine and secret. Marie's desire to continue her studies took her to Paris in 1891 after resolving some family issues. During her studies at Sorbonne University, she was discouraged and often pushed into difficulty. Against all odds, she stayed and moved on. After 2 long years, he finally earned his master's degree in mathematics and physics. That same year her professor offered her to work in a laboratory. There he met his laboratory partner, Pierre Curie, with whom they soon became life partners. Later, a French physicist, Antoine Henri Becquerel, whose work on radiation caught Marie's attention, inspiring her to investigate radioactivity further. At home he was raising a family of his own. One of his quotes states that “I have often been asked, especially by women, how I could reconcile family life with a scientific career. Well, it wasn't easy." As a result of her incessant commitment which led her to the discovery of two new radioactive elements and their properties. Polonius who takes his name from his homeland, Poland and radium. They made another breakthrough in 1902, they discovered radium chloride salt. The following year Maire, Pierre and Henri Becquerel were invited to receive the Nobel Prize in Physics. She has since been recognized as the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. Tragedy struck Marie in 1906, when Pierre was involved in an accident at a busy intersection. However, it has maintained progress. Meanwhile, she was promoted as the first female teacher of Sorbonne University. He often told his students that “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so we can be fearless." In 1911, Marie received another Nobel Prize, this time for chemistry. Unlike the first time, she was a solo recipient. This made her the first and only person to win two noble prizes. She later used her findings to establish cures for some forms of cancer and improved the design of X-ray machines. During World War I she personally traveled with a portable X-ray machine to help the wounded herself. Her enormous contribution to society and her personal successes cost Marie her life. In 1934 Marie died from aplastic anemia due to excessive radiation exposure. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay However, his legacy lives on. Marie Curie is an idol, especially as a woman in science. She showed us that women have the ability to achieve higher education and sophisticated scientific investigation. It also turned fantasy into reality.