Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Peter Salovey President | Yale University
Mary Helen Goldsmith, a distinguished plant physiologist and professor emeritus at Yale University, passed away on October 2 at Whitney Center in Hamden, Connecticut. She was 91 years old. Goldsmith played a significant role in developing the undergraduate major in environmental studies at Yale College and led the Marsh Botanical Garden for 16 years. She also served as Master of Silliman College from 1987 to 1994.
Goldsmith's research highlighted the importance of plant hormones in growth and development, contributing significantly to understanding hormone transport through plant tissues and ion movement regulation across cell membranes. Her work extended beyond research and teaching; she was an influential leader nationally in plant physiology and served as president of the American Society of Plant Physiologists.
Arriving at Yale in 1963, Goldsmith stood out among the few women scientists on faculty at that time, particularly those focusing on environmental issues. She was instrumental in revitalizing the environmental studies program into a full-fledged major, nurturing students who were increasingly aware of global environmental challenges.
Her tenure as director of Marsh Botanical Garden saw a period of restoration and development, enhancing its educational role. An article from October 2001 noted her plans for refurbishment acknowledged "the historical importance of the garden," originally designed by Beatrix Farrand.
Goldsmith expressed her passion for engaging students with plants: “Plants form the basis of every terrestrial ecosystem,” she stated in a 2001 article. “I’m always thinking about how to get students interested in plants and how they function in their environment.”
During her time as Master of Silliman College, she supported student initiatives like the Yale Student Environmental Coalition by providing space and guidance. Judith Krauss, former Head of Silliman College, credited Goldsmith with restoring Silliman courtyard to its original design by Beatrix Farrand.
Born in Boston, Goldsmith earned her undergraduate degree from Cornell University and her Ph.D. from Harvard University. She met her husband Tim during high school; both later became professors at Yale’s Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology.
Goldsmith is survived by her husband Tim, two children, and four grandchildren. Funeral services were private. Upon retirement from Yale, colleagues honored her contributions with “a virtual spray” from Marsh Botanical gardens — symbolizing her impact on early environmental studies at Yale.
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