Frances H Arnold is a renowned American scientist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2018 for her work on the directed evolution of enzymes. She was born on July 25, 1956, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Edgewood, a nearby suburb. Arnold is a well-known advocate for sustainable energy and is also a professor of chemical engineering and biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology.
Early Life and Education
Arnold's father was a mechanical engineer, and her mother was a journalist. She attended Princeton University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in 1979. She then completed her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley in 1985.
Directed Evolution of Enzymes
Arnold's research focuses on the directed evolution of enzymes, which involves using laboratory techniques to create new enzymes with specific properties. This process involves introducing mutations into the DNA that codes for an enzyme, and then selecting the variants that have the desired properties.
Arnold's work in this area has led to the development of new enzymes that are used in a wide range of applications, including the production of biofuels, the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, and the development of environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Arnold was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2018 for her work on the directed evolution of enzymes. She shared the award with George P. Smith and Sir Gregory P. Winter.
The Nobel Prize committee recognized Arnold's work as a groundbreaking contribution to the field of chemistry, stating that "her work has revolutionized the field of protein engineering by allowing us to create new enzymes with tailor-made properties."
Sustainable Energy
Arnold is also a well-known advocate for sustainable energy. She has spoken out about the need to transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable sources of energy, such as solar and wind power.
Arnold has also served as the co-chair of the U.S. Department of Energy's panel on biological and environmental research, where she has worked to promote research into cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy.
Conclusion
Frances H Arnold is a remarkable scientist whose work has revolutionized the field of protein engineering. Her contributions to the directed evolution of enzymes have led to the development of new enzymes that have a wide range of applications, from biofuel production to pharmaceutical manufacturing. Arnold's advocacy for sustainable energy also highlights her commitment to promoting a healthier and more sustainable planet.