Celebrating the first woman to be awarded a PhD.

Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia, also Helen Cornaro, 5/6/1646-26/7/1684

Happy birthday to the trailblazing Ms. Elena Cornaro Piscopia - the first woman in the world to be awarded a PhD. Elena was born on the 5th of June 1646, and was awarded her PhD in 1678 - as a researcher and academic who proudly holds a PhD of her own, I laud the first female to attain the highest educational award.

I am most appreciative of Piscopia's aptitude, ability, and genius, but I choose personally not to follow her celibacy example. Those of you Gentle Readers familiar with my writing and work know well that I am a sex, sexuality and diversity-inclusive End of Life Consultant, with a healthy respect for all bodily autonomy choices we make.

I wish you all a happy June 5th!