Photo of Mildred Cohn

Mildred Cohn

1913 - 2009
Biochemistry; biophysics; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging
USA USA

Personal Information

Born: 1913

Died: 2009

Country of Birth: USA

Nationality: USA

Ethnicity: White

Education

Hunter College, BA Chemistry 1931; Columbia University, MS Chemistry 1932 & PhD Physical Chemistry 1938

Professional Life

Field of Study: Biochemistry; biophysics; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Institution/Corporation: National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics,University of Pennsylvania,Washington University School of Medicine

Degrees & Memberships: 9 honorary college degrees; Member: President of American Society of Biological Chemists (1978-79); National Academy of Science (1971); American Philosophical Society (1972); Fellow American /academy of Arts & Letters (1968); American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Awards & Achievements

Awards: 1963, Garvan-Olin Medal; 1983, National Medal of Science for Biological Sciences (1st female recipient); 2009, National Women s Hall of Fame; 1875, Elliot Cresson Medal; 1964, American Heart Association s Lifetime Career Award (1st female recipient); 1984, Golden Plate Award, American Academy of Achievement;1979, International Organization of Women Biochemists Award; 1986, Chandler Medal, Columbia University

Achievements: researched chemical reactions within animal cells; pioneer in the use of NMRI to study enzyme reactions; 1st woman appointed to the Board of the Journal of Biological Chemists & served as editor 1958-1963 & 1968-1973; worked for National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics for 2 years-the only female among 70 men; pioneered the use of isotopic tracers to examine the metabolism of sulfur-containing compounds; did extensive research on ATP (adenosine triphosphate); 1st female presidnet of American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; 1st female career investigator for American Heart Association

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