Maria Maynard Daly was an African American biochemist who made important contributions in understanding protein synthesis, specifically new types of histones, and she identified the distribution of the nucleic acids forming the DNA. Her discoveries are now considered fundamental in cell biology and genomics.

She continued to work on diseases and health after her post-doc, and she unveiled the link between cholesterol and clogged arteries. During the time at Columbia University, she also demonstrated that high blood pressure is a strong indicator of pre-atherosclerosis development.

On top of advancing science, she advocated for minority students by creating a fund to help them financially and to enhance their enrolment in college.