Dorothy Martin Simon has been responsible for several significant advances in space engineering, particularly in the area of combustion. By relating the fundamental properties of flame to each other through the principles of heat and mass transfer and chemical reaction, she helped establish the present-day theory of flame propagation and quenching . She also contributed to the development of ablative coatings, which protect missiles from heat damage upon reentering the Earth's atmosphere . In recognition of these accomplishments, as well as her success in executive management and public speaking, the Society of Women Engineers presented Simon with their Achievement Award in 1966.

Simon was born Dorothy Martin on September 18, 1919, in Harwood, Missouri. Her parents were Robert William Martin, head of the chemistry department at Southwest Missouri State College, and Laudell Flynn Martin. Simon attended high school at Greenwood Laboratory School in Springfield, where she won the highest sports honor while also...