Biography:
Frances Hamilton Arnold, born on July 25, 1956, is an American chemical engineer and Nobel Laureate who has made significant contributions to the field of bioengineering. She currently holds the prestigious position of Linus Pauling Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). In 2018, Arnold was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for her pioneering work in the use of directed evolution to engineer enzymes.
Born to Josephine Inman and William Howard Arnold, a nuclear physicist, Frances Arnold comes from a family with a strong scientific background. Her grandfather, Lieutenant General William Howard Arnold, further instilled in her a sense of discipline and dedication. Frances Arnold grew up in the Pittsburgh suburb of Edgewood, as well as the neighborhoods of Shadyside and Squirrel Hill. She attended Taylor Allderdice High School, graduating in 1974.
Even as a high school student, Arnold displayed remarkable independence. She hitchhiked to Washington, D.C., to protest the Vietnam War and supported herself by working as a cocktail waitress at a local jazz club and even a cab driver. Although her unconventional lifestyle led to numerous absences from school and low grades, Arnold’s exceptional performance on standardized tests demonstrated her exceptional intellect.
Determined to attend Princeton University, the alma mater of her father, Arnold applied as a mechanical engineering major and was accepted. She graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. During her time at Princeton, Arnold focused on solar energy research, taking advantage of the Center for Energy and Environmental Studies led by Robert Socolow.
After temporarily leaving Princeton to spend a year in Italy, working in a factory that produced nuclear reactor parts, Arnold returned to complete her studies. Her experiences in Italy and her coursework at Princeton expanded her horizons and fuelled her passion for sustainable energy sources. Following her graduation, Arnold gained practical experience as an engineer in South Korea, Brazil, and at Colorado’s Solar Energy Research Institute (now the National Renewable Energy Laboratory).
At the Solar Energy Research Institute, Arnold contributed to the design of solar energy facilities for remote locations and actively participated in the development of renewable energy solutions. This early exposure to cutting-edge research undoubtedly piqued her interest in using science and engineering as tools for positive change.
After gaining valuable experience in the field, Arnold pursued her graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering in 1985 under the guidance of Harvey Blanch and was appointed to the faculty at Caltech in the same year. Throughout her career, Arnold has remained dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the field of bioengineering.
Arnold’s groundbreaking work in directed evolution has revolutionized the field of enzyme engineering. By harnessing the principles of evolution, she has pioneered a technique that enables the directed evolution of enzymes with enhanced properties for use in various applications, from therapeutic drug development to environmentally sustainable manufacturing processes.
In addition to her exceptional scientific contributions, Frances Arnold has also served as an inspiration and role model for aspiring engineers, particularly women. Her achievements have shattered gender barriers in the traditionally male-dominated field of engineering, opening doors for future generations of women scientists and engineers.
Recognizing her outstanding contributions, Arnold has received numerous prestigious awards and honors. In addition to the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, she has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Arnold’s work has also been recognized with the Millennium Technology Prize, the Charles Stark Draper Prize, and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, among others.
As an advocate for sustainable solutions and an influential voice in the scientific community, Frances Arnold continues to drive innovation and inspire future generations of scientists and engineers. Her groundbreaking research and commitment to advancing the field of bioengineering have solidified her position as one of the most respected and influential scientists of her time.