She initially considered a literary career, but later became interested in philosophy.
To celebrate its foundation festival, in 1912 Goettingen University gave a prize to the best original work on a philosophical topic.
Of about 200 philosophical works, only hers - titled "The Intuitional-Theoretical Principles of Positivism" - was awarded the prize.
She also married Theodor Conrad who helped provide for her as at this time women academics tended to struggle to make a living.
Although Protestant, Conrad-Martius would late receive a dispensation so she could be Edith Stein's godmother.