NJ Nurse Named Among ‘Most Iconic Female Pioneers’: Clara Maass

BELLEVILLE, NJ — An early-20th century nurse from New Jersey who sacrificed her life in the name of medical research has been named to a list of the “Most Iconic Female Pioneers” in the nation: Clara Maass.

In tribute to Women’s History Month, researchers conducted a survey of 3,000 Americans to uncover the “top 200 most influential female pioneers who changed the world.” Only women who are no longer alive were considered in the poll.

“For too long, the narratives of progress and innovation have glossed over the monumental contributions of women,” researchers with Somewang.com wrote. “From science and technology to the vanguards of business and social reform, women have been instrumental in shaping our modern world. Yet, their stories often remain unrecognized, their triumphs unsung.”

Clara Maass landed at number five on the list. Here’s why, researchers said:

“A nurse from East Orange, New Jersey, Clara Maass sacrificed her life in the name of medical research. She volunteered for experiments to determine the cause of yellow fever, ultimately dying from the disease. Her death led to reforms in medical experimentation ethics and contributed to the eventual understanding and control of yellow fever.”

Other luminaries who placed high on the 2024 list include Susan B. Anthony (1st), Harriet Tubman (2nd) and Abigail Adams (3rd).

Maass was 25-years-old when she died in 1901. She served as a nurse for the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War, volunteering to be bitten by an infected mosquito as part of a medical experiment related to the study of yellow fever – a devastating disease that was killing more soldiers than the actual fighting.

Hospital administrators at Clara Maass Medical Center have honored the late nurse in the past, writing that she contracted and recovered from a mild form of the disease in March 1901. Then, in August, 1901, she allowed herself to be bitten by an infected mosquito for a second time, only to become ill with severe fever. She died 10 days later.

Because of Maass’ death, no further experiments were conducted. Ultimately, Maass' sacrifice helped convince physicians that yellow fever was spread by mosquito bites, leading to a program that helped eradicate the disease.

To mark Maass’ contributions to New Jersey and the profession of nursing, in 1952, the Newark German Hospital was renamed the Clara Maass Memorial Hospital. It was the first such medical facility to be named after a nurse.

• See Related: Belleville Hospital's Namesake Enters NJ Hall Of Fame
• See Related: Clara Maass Hospital Remembers Hero Nurse Who Died For Science

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