Edith Graef McGeer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Graef McGeer
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| Born |
Edith Graef
November 18, 1923 New York City
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| Alma mater | University of Virginia Swarthmore College |
| Known for | Alzheimer's disease research |
| Spouse(s) | Patrick |
| Awards | Order of British Columbia, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Order of Canada |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Neuroscience |
| Institutions | DuPont University of British Columbia |
Edith Graef McGeer (born November 18, 1923) is an American-Canadian scientist who studies the brain. She is known for her important work on Alzheimer's and other brain diseases. These diseases cause the brain to slowly lose its ability to function.
Edith McGeer and her husband, Patrick McGeer, are famous scientists. They were named among the top 100 most-referenced researchers in brain science. This means many other scientists use their work. She also helped start a company called Aurin Biotech. This company is working on a new medicine called AUR1107. It aims to help treat Alzheimer's and other conditions.
Learning and Early Life
Edith McGeer loved mathematics from a young age. She even skipped some grades at school. When she was 16, she decided to study chemistry in college. This was in 1940, and at that time, many people thought science was not a good job for women.
Despite this, Edith did very well. She earned her first degree from Swarthmore College. Then, she quickly finished her advanced degree in organic chemistry from the University of Virginia in just two years.
Amazing Work and Awards
Edith McGeer started her career as a research chemist at the DuPont Company. Later, she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia. There, she worked at the University of British Columbia Medical School. She eventually became a Professor Emeritus, which is a special title for retired professors.
Edith McGeer is a very productive scientist. She holds 10 patents for her inventions. She has also written or helped write 525 articles for science journals. She received a special award from the British Columbia Science Council for her lifetime of contributions.
Her work is highly respected by other scientists. She is known as one of the top 100 most-referenced brain scientists. In 1995, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian can receive. In 2001, she also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. This means she is recognized as one of Canada's leading scholars and scientists.
