"We were trying to develop a new kind of rubber for jet aircraft fuel lines," she explains, "when one of the lab assistants accidentally dropped a glass bottle that contained a batch of synthetic latex I had made. Some of the latex mixture splashed on the assistant's canvas tennis shoes and the result was remarkable."

Although the spill didn't change the look or feel of the canvas, it did leave behind some amazing properties. Everything Sherman and her colleagues used to try to rinse the latex out of the shoe just beaded up and ran off it "like water off a duck's back."

Intrigued by this unexpected turn in their research, Sherman and fellow chemist Sam Smith directed their attention to developing a fabric treatment that would repel water and oil. It took the pair three years to perfect the technological innovation that would come to be known as ScotchgardTM Fabric Protector.

Scientists at 3M continue to build on the original invention. Most recently, they introduced new water-based formulas of Scotchgard Protector for Fabric & Upholstery and Scotchgard Water Repellent for Outdoor Fabric. These new formulas are safer for the environment-thanks to a drastic reduction in the use of volatile organic compounds-and feature a number of other advances, including virtually odor-free application and improved stain repellency. The advances are expected to simplify the annual reapplication recommended for maximum protection.

While a new generation of 3M scientists continue Sherman's life work, she now uses her passion for scientific inquiry to encourage young people to pursue their dreams of becoming scientists and inventors.

Reflecting on her own career, Sherman tells students, "Anyone can become an inventor as long as they keep an open and inquiring mind and never overlook the possible significance of an accident or apparent failure.(NAPSI)