Born: July 12, 1913 (Bronx, New York City)
Died: October 12, 2009
Biography:
Mildred Cohn (July 12, 1913 – October 12, 2009) was an American biochemist who made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry through her study of chemical reactions within animal cells. She was particularly known for her pioneering work in using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study enzyme reactions, with a focus on adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Her groundbreaking research and innovative techniques greatly advanced our understanding of biochemical processes.
Cohn was born on July 12, 1913, in the Bronx, New York City. Her parents, Isidore Cohn and Bertha Klein Cohn, were Jewish immigrants from Russia who moved to the United States in 1907. Her father was a rabbi, and her family lived in an apartment in the Bronx. When she was 13 years old, her father relocated the family to a Yiddish-speaking cooperative called Heim Gesellschaft. This cooperative placed strong emphasis on education, the arts, social justice, and the preservation of Yiddish culture, greatly influencing Cohn’s upbringing.
Cohn’s passion for learning and her aptitude for science became evident at a young age. She graduated from high school at the impressive age of 14. She then attended Hunter College, a prestigious institution that provided free education to qualified women regardless of their race, religion, or ethnic background. In 1931, Cohn graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree. She was determined to continue her education and pursue a career in scientific research.
Despite facing gender discrimination within academia, Cohn persisted in her studies. She managed to attend Columbia University for a year, despite being ineligible for an assistantship due to her gender. In 1932, she received her master’s degree and went on to work for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics for two years. During this time, Cohn faced numerous challenges as the only woman among 70 men, and she was informed that advancement opportunities would not be available to her.
Undeterred by these obstacles, Cohn returned to Columbia University to pursue her Ph.D. in physical chemistry. She studied under the mentorship of Harold Urey, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist. Initially, Cohn’s research focused on studying the isotopes of carbon, but equipment failure forced her to change her project. She shifted her focus to oxygen isotopes and successfully completed her dissertation, earning her Ph.D. in physical chemistry in 1938.
Cohn’s career in scientific research took off after she completed her doctoral studies. With Urey’s recommendation, she obtained a position as a research associate in the laboratory of Vincent du Vigneaud at Washington University in St. Louis. There, she conducted post-doctoral studies on sulfur-amino acid metabolism, utilizing radioactive sulfur isotopes. Her utilization of isotopic tracers revolutionized the examination of sulfur-containing compounds’ metabolism.
When du Vigneaud moved his laboratory to Cornell University Medical College in New York City, Cohn and her husband, physicist Henry Primakoff, followed suit. In 1946, Primakoff was offered a faculty appointment at Washington University School of Medicine, enabling Cohn to secure a research position. She continued her groundbreaking work, making significant contributions to the understanding of biochemical reactions.
Cohn’s research and contributions were widely recognized and highly esteemed. In 1982, she received the National Medal of Science, the highest scientific honor in the United States. Her pioneering work in using NMR to study enzyme reactions solidified her reputation as a scientific trailblazer. Cohn’s remarkable achievements and groundbreaking discoveries have not only advanced the field of biochemistry but also inspired countless aspiring scientists, especially women, who have followed in her footsteps.
Awards:
– National Medal of Science (1982)
– Inductee into the National Women’s Hall of Fame