Esther Conwell, 92, former chemistry professor at University of Rochester, killed in pedestrian accident on Pelham Road in Brighton, NY

The pedestrian hit and killed in Brighton on Sunday was a longtime chemistry professor at the University of Rochester who was considered a pioneer among women scientists. Esther Rothberg, professionally known by her maiden name Esther Conwell, was walking on Pelham Road about 3 p.m. when she was hit by a car driven by her neighbor Daniel N. Menachof, 52, as he backed out of his driveway. Ms. Conwell, 92, died several hours later at Strong Memorial Hospital.  "Esther Conwell's death is a tragic loss for the world of science, as well as for the University community," University President Joel Seligman said in a news release. Ms. Conwell started her career at the university in 1942.  She is survived by her son and fellow scientist, Lewis J. Rothberg, also a professor of chemistry at the University of Rochester, and two grandchildren.