July 12, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:
Like a phoenix from the ashes, she arose. Eugenia Galtsoff’s life of privilege wasn’t without challenges and hardships. Born upper-middle class in Moscow, Russia, Eugenia’s early years were rich with the advantages afforded affluent Victorian Europeans. That began to wane with the death of her father when she was just 10 years old. By the time she was pursuing higher education, political and social turmoil was erupting throughout Russia. Revolutions, World War I, and the Russian Civil War culminated into a perfect storm. Eugenia and her scientist husband, Paul S. Galtsoff, were forced to flee Russia and immigrate to the United States. Starting a new life in a country very different from their own had its struggles and uncertainty, but Eugenia and Paul persevered. It was with mythological strength and fortitude that they both rose up to make great contributions to science, creating a successful life more than 5,000 miles away from their homeland.
This year marks NOAA Fisheries’ 150th anniversary. We’re taking a look back at some of the notable women scientists who made amazing contributions to the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and its research. Eugenia Galtsoff’s work helped further what we know about our region’s marine life. This is her phoenix story.