Born: February 20, 1923 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Died: May 1, 2021
Biography:
Helen Murray Free (February 20, 1923 – May 1, 2021) was an American chemist and educator who made significant contributions to the field of in vitro self-testing systems for diseases such as diabetes. Her revolutionary work at Miles Laboratories revolutionized the way these tests were conducted, making them more convenient and efficient for both doctors and patients. Free’s contributions in this field enabled individuals to obtain reliable and accurate test results without the need for laboratories.
Born on February 20, 1923, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Helen Murray Free grew up in a world transformed by the rapidly advancing field of science. Her father, James S. Murray, worked as a coal company salesman, while her mother, Daisy Piper Murray, tragically passed away during an influenza epidemic when Free was just six years old. Despite this early loss, Free displayed determination and resilience throughout her life.
Free received her early education from the public schools in Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated as the valedictorian of Poland Seminary High School in 1941. It was during a summer camp at the College of Wooster that Free discovered her passion for attending the institution. Initially planning to major in English and Latin with aspirations of becoming a teacher, Free’s plans changed when the events of Pearl Harbor in December 1941 prompted many young men to enlist or be drafted into the army. This created opportunities for women to enter male-dominated disciplines such as science. Influenced by her high school English teacher and inspired by the emerging field of chemistry, Free switched her major. In 1944, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry.
Upon graduating from Wooster, Free embarked on her career even before completing her college education. She initially showed interest in working at the Koppers Chemical Company, but when she learned that her job would involve testing creosote for fence posts, her enthusiasm waned. Instead, she sought a research fellowship at the Mellon Institute (now Carnegie Mellon University). However, while waiting for a response, Free’s chemistry professor arranged an interview for her at Miles Laboratories. Despite her initial reluctance, she accepted a position at Miles on the understanding that it was temporary until the Mellon Institute responded.
Starting as a quality control chemist at Miles Laboratories, Free tested the ingredients’ quality for the company’s line of vitamins. Her work was meticulous and of high standards. Eventually, an offer from the Mellon Institute did come, but by that time, Free had become deeply invested in her work at Miles Laboratories. She declined the offer and decided to stay, a decision that would shape her career and contributions to the scientific community significantly.
At Miles Laboratories, Free’s dedication and innovative thinking allowed her to excel in her role. She played a crucial role in developing the dip-and-read testing strips, which revolutionized the way diabetes and other diseases were diagnosed. These testing strips allowed patients and doctors to obtain quick and accurate results without relying on laboratories. Free’s invention enabled individuals to take control of their health and effectively monitor their conditions, transforming the field of medical testing.
Throughout her career, Free was also deeply committed to education and promoting scientific literacy. She actively participated in public outreach programs, teaching chemistry to high school students and encouraging young women to pursue careers in science. Her passion for education extended to the classroom as well. Free served as an adjunct professor at Indiana University-Purdue University in Fort Wayne, where she inspired and mentored countless students.
Helen Murray Free’s groundbreaking contributions and tireless advocacy for scientific education and women’s empowerment left an indelible mark on society. She was a trailblazer in the field of in vitro self-testing systems, transforming the lives of individuals living with diabetes and other diseases. Her work not only revolutionized medical testing but also inspired future generations of scientists, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM fields. Helen Murray Free’s legacy as a chemist, educator, and advocate continues to shape the world today.
Awards:
– Perkin Medal from the Society of Chemical Industry (1993)
– Industrial Research Institute Achievement Award (1996)
– American Chemical Society Award for Creative Invention (1996)
– National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2010)