Frances S. Ligler
Personal Information
Born: 1951
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: White
Education
1977 D.Phil.. Biochemistry, Oxford University; 1972 B.S. Biology-Chemistry, Furman University; 2000 Oxford University PhD Biosensor Technology
Professional Life
Field of Study: Biochemistry; Bioengineering
Institution/Corporation: Dupont, Naval Research Laboratory, UNC Chapel Hill/North Carolina State University, Texas A&M University
Degrees & Memberships: Honorary Degree: Agricultural University of Athens Greece (2014), Furman University (2018); Member: Fellow National Academy of Inventors (2016), Fellow SPIE (2000), Fellow American Institute for Medical & Biological Engineering (2012), Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science (2013),Honorary member Hellenic Society for Nanotechnology in Health Sciences (2017), US National Academy of Engineering (2005)
Awards & Achievements
Awards: 2022, American Chemical Society National Award in Analytical Chemistry; 2020, National Academy of Engineering Simon Ramo Founders Award; 2017, National Inventors Hall of Fame; 2003 & 2012, Presidential Rank of Meritorious Senior Professional; 2003, Homeland Security Award, Christopher Columbus Foundation; 1992, Office of National Drug Control Policy Technology Transfer Award for Drug Enforcement;1993, Hillebrand Prize, Chemical Society of Washington D.C.; 1997, US Women in Science & Engineering (WISE) Scientific Achievement Award; 2000, Navy Superior Civilian Service Award; 2006, Distinguished Furman Alumni of the 20th Century; 2016, Carl Kohrt Distinguished Alumni Award, Furman University; 2017, Award for Distinguished Service in the Advancement of Analytical Chemisrty, ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry
Achievements: Developed sensors used to detect anthrax & botulinum toxin deployed during Operation Desert Storm
Her work on optical biosensors made it easier to detect toxins & pathogens in food, water, or when airborne
Holds 49 patents
Spent 33 years working in industrial & government research labs
Grew up training horses oh her grandfather's farm
Holds 2 PhDs
Went into biochemistry because "I like doing things with my hands & finding out about life in a hands-on way"
Made optical biosensors smaller, more versatile, & more automated
Developed the underlying technology for RAPTOR, a portable, automated biosensor used by NATO & to test water deliveries to US Navy ships