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Frances Arnold - Nobel prize winning US scientist and engineer (born 1956)

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03.04.25
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Overview

Frances Hamilton Arnold, born on July 25, 1956, is an American chemical engineer and Nobel Laureate renowned for pioneering directed evolution of enzymes. Her innovative work has revolutionized the fields of biocatalysis, sustainable chemistry, and protein engineering. This timeline highlights key moments in her life and career, showcasing her journey from a rebellious student to a groundbreaking scientist.
Main Milestones
Birth in Edgewood, Pennsylvania
July 25, 1956
Frances Hamilton Arnold was born in Edgewood, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Even from a young age, she displayed a strong independent spirit, setting the stage for her future unconventional approach to science.
Early Environmental Activism
1970s
Demonstrating a proactive nature, Arnold hitchhiked across the US and worked in a pizza parlor to fund her independent endeavors. She also engaged in protests against the Vietnam War and nuclear power, demonstrating her early commitment to social and environmental issues which would later influence her scientific pursuits.
B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University
1979
Arnold earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. This diverse engineering background provided her with a unique perspective that would prove invaluable when she later ventured into the field of chemical engineering and biochemistry.
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
1985
Frances Arnold obtained her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Her doctoral research focused on heterogeneous catalysis, laying the groundwork for her future explorations in enzyme engineering and biocatalysis. This was a pivotal moment, leading her to a field where she would truly excel.
Joins Caltech Faculty
1986
Arnold joined the faculty at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) as an assistant professor. This marked the beginning of her long and impactful career at Caltech, where she would conduct groundbreaking research and mentor generations of scientists.
Pioneering Directed Evolution of Enzymes
1993
Arnold published her seminal paper demonstrating the directed evolution of enzymes. This revolutionary method allowed scientists to engineer enzymes with specific, desired properties by mimicking natural selection in the lab. It provided an alternative to rational design and opened new avenues for biocatalysis and sustainable chemistry.
Named Dick and Barbara Dickinson Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering and Biochemistry at Caltech
1999
This endowed professorship recognized Arnold's exceptional contributions to her field and provided her with further resources to advance her research. It was a testament to her leadership and influence within the scientific community.
Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame
2013
Arnold was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for her pioneering work on directed evolution of enzymes. This prestigious honor recognized the significant impact of her inventions on society and her contributions to the field of biotechnology.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry
2018
Frances Arnold was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, sharing the prize with George P. Smith and Sir Gregory P. Winter. She was only the fifth woman to receive the Chemistry Nobel Prize, and the first American woman. The award recognized her groundbreaking work on the directed evolution of enzymes, which has revolutionized fields from drug discovery to biofuels.
Continuing Research and Advocacy
Present
Frances Arnold continues her research at Caltech, pushing the boundaries of enzyme engineering and sustainable chemistry. She remains an active advocate for women in STEM and a champion for environmentally responsible technologies. Her work continues to inspire scientists around the world to pursue innovative solutions to global challenges.

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Academic Career at CaltechAcademic Career at CaltechAwards and RecognitionAwards and RecognitionDirected Evolution BreakthroughsDirected Evolution BreakthroughsEarly Life and EducationEarly Life and EducationEntrepreneurial VenturesEntrepreneurial VenturesFamily and Personal LifeFamily and Personal LifeImpact on Sustainability and Green ChemistryImpact on Sustainability and Green ChemistryMajor PublicationsMajor PublicationsMentorship and Education PhilosophyMentorship and Education PhilosophyPublic Engagement and AdvocacyPublic Engagement and Advocacy
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