Helen Murray Free
Personal Information
Born: 1923
Died: 2021
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: White
Education
College of Wooster BS Chemistry 1945; Central Michigan University MA Management 1978
Professional Life
Field of Study: Chemistry
Institution/Corporation: Miles Laboratories; Bayer Diagnostics
Degrees & Memberships: Member: American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC, President 1990), American Chemical Society (ACS, President 1993)
Awards & Achievements
Awards: Garvan–Olin Medal (1980); Kilby Award (1996); National Inventors Hall of Fame (2000); National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2009); National Medal of Technology & Innovation (2010); ACS s 66th National Historic Chemical Landmark Designation (with Alfred H. Fee, 2010); US National Women s Hall of Fame (2011); Outstanding Contribution to Clinical Chemistry (AACC, 2006); South Bend YWCA s Woman of the Year Award (1993)
Achievements: Improved Clinitest; developed Acetest, Clinistik (1956), Uristik, Ketostik, Dextrostik, Labstik, Multistik & Albustik with husband, Alfred H. Free, while at Miles Laboratories; pioneer in dip-and-read medical tests; tests were/are used for diabetes, pregnancy, kidney, liver & metabolic disorders; helped create Kids & Chemistry project for schoolchildren; holds 7 patents
She & her husband Alfred invented dip-stick tests
She originally wanted to be an English teacher but WWII made it possible for more women to study science
After graduating, began a career at Miles Labs where she & her husband improved & developed new strip testing
After retiring, spent her time promoting science education with programs such as "Kids & Chemistry" & "Expanding Your Horizons"
Held 6 patents