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Her Hidden Genius

Dr. Rosalind Franklin's pivotal but overlooked role in the discovery of DNA gets...

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Discuss Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict

Vittorio tells Rosalind to protect her science "at all costs," while her brother encourages her to fight for her science. What do you think they mean? Do you believe she does this, and if so, is she successful?

3

Feb. 17, 2022
by carolt

How do you feel the political leanings of an organization, or the opinions of those who work there, have an impact today? Is the situation better or worse than it was in Rosalind’s day?

5

Feb. 16, 2022
by kmillerarndt

Rosalind thinks science "is a more palpable, understandable faith than the sort of belief Papa has about the afterlife." What do you think of her opinion? Do you think the two types of faith are mutually exclusive?

5

Feb. 28, 2022
by colleena

How much do you think Rosalind knew or understood about the data and images that Watson and Crick used without her knowledge or permission? How does this affect her?

6

Feb. 13, 2022
by Molly Mae

How does Rosalind's Jewish identity shape her behavior and priorities throughout the book?

6

Feb. 17, 2022
by carolt

Collaboration in science is crucial, so how should collaborative projects proceed in a fair fashion, and how should credit be assigned for those discoveries?

7

Feb. 09, 2022
by dorothyh

Compare Rosalind's experiences in France to her experiences in England. What was the biggest difference you noticed between each culture's expectations for scientists and women?

8

Feb. 24, 2022
by scottishrose

Jacques pushes Rosalind to be honest with their colleagues about the nature of their relationship. Why does she resist? How would you feel in her position?

9

Feb. 17, 2022
by arb

What do you think is Rosalind Franklin's greatest legacy?

9

Feb. 10, 2022
by dianet

Why do you think there is so much animosity between Wilkens and Rosalind? Could Rosalind have done anything to diffuse the situation? Would this have been the same if Rosalind had been male?

10

Feb. 24, 2022
by scottishrose

Do you think the so-called gentleman's agreements still exist today, or have they been replaced by more definitive guidance and contracts?

10

Mar. 16, 2022
by arb

In addition to being a brilliant scientist, Rosalind has many friends, a close family bond, and is an avid mountaineer. Did these facets of her life surprise you?

11

Feb. 24, 2022
by scottishrose

Are you familiar with others from history whose contributions are only now being recognized?

12

Mar. 21, 2022
by irisf

Rosalind asks herself, "must everything in life be a march forward and upward?" How would you answer her question? Do you feel her move to Birkbeck from King's was a step up or a step back?

12

Mar. 10, 2022
by celiaarnaud

Several times, Rosalind's male colleagues feel she's overly concerned about making sure her data is correct, and criticize her for being slow to share her results. Is this criticism just?

15

Mar. 13, 2022
by leeb

Rosalind wonders why her friend recoils from the word cancer. Do you think there's a stigma around cancer today? If so, why do you think that is?

16

Mar. 10, 2022
by dorothyh

What did you think of Rosalind's approach to lab safety? How do you think things have changed for modern scientists?

20

Mar. 16, 2022
by arb

Do you think that Rosalind's opinion that marriage and science are not meant to coexist for working women is a product of her time period, or her personality?

22

Mar. 13, 2022
by leeb

Before reading Her Hidden Genius, had you heard of Rosalind Franklin? What, if anything, did you know about the history of DNA, and how did the book affect your understanding of that history?

23

Mar. 05, 2022
by diannea

Overall, what do you think of Her Hidden Genius? (No spoilers in this thread, please)

32

Mar. 19, 2022
by pams

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