Edith M. Flanigen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edith Marie Flanigen
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Edith Flanigen receives the National Medal of Technology from U.S. President Barack Obama on November 20, 2014
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Edith Marie Flanigen
January 28, 1929 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
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| Died | January 6, 2026 (aged 96) |
| Education | D'Youville College Syracuse University (M.S.) |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
| Institutions | Union Carbide, UOP |
Edith Marie Flanigen was an amazing American chemist. She was born on January 28, 1929, and passed away on January 6, 2026. She became famous for creating man-made emeralds and for her important work with special materials called zeolites. These zeolites are used as "molecular sieves" at a company called Union Carbide.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edith Marie Flanigen grew up in Buffalo, New York. She was born on January 28, 1929. Edith and her two sisters, Joan and Jane, first learned about chemistry from their high school teacher. All three sisters loved chemistry so much that they decided to study it at D'Youville College. Edith was a brilliant student, graduating as class president and the top student in her class.
Later, Edith and Joan both earned advanced degrees in chemistry from Syracuse University in 1952. Syracuse University also gave Edith a special honorary doctorate degree in 2008.
A Career in Chemistry
In 1952, Edith Flanigen started working at a company called Union Carbide. Her first job involved finding and cleaning different types of silicone materials. In 1956, she joined a team that worked on "molecular sieves."
Edith made history in 1973 by becoming the first woman at Union Carbide to be named a "corporate research fellow." This was a very important title! She later became a "senior corporate research fellow" in 1986. In 1988, she moved to another company called UOP, where she continued her important research. She was promoted to UOP Fellow in 1991.
Edith Flanigen retired from UOP in 1994. Even after retiring, Edith continued to work as a consultant for UOP until at least 2004. During her 42 years working with Union Carbide and UOP, Edith Flanigen created over 200 new man-made substances. She also wrote or helped write more than 36 scientific papers and received at least 109 patents for her inventions.
Edith Flanigen's Amazing Discoveries
What are Molecular Sieves?
In 1956, Edith started working on something called molecular sieves. Imagine these as tiny crystal filters with incredibly small holes, or "pores." These pores are so small that they can separate different molecules from a mixture. It's like sifting sand from pebbles, but on a much, much tinier scale!
Inventing Zeolite Y
Edith Flanigen is most famous for inventing a special type of molecular sieve called zeolite Y. This zeolite was a huge breakthrough! It helped to refine crude oil, also known as petroleum. When crude oil is processed, it needs to be separated into many different parts, like gasoline, diesel, and other useful chemicals.
Zeolite Y acted as a catalyst. A catalyst is like a helper that speeds up or improves a chemical reaction without being used up itself. Zeolite Y made it possible to get much more gasoline from crude oil. This made the process of refining petroleum safer and more efficient.
Creating Man-Made Emeralds
Besides her work with molecular sieves, Edith also helped create a man-made emerald. This synthetic emerald looked just like a real one! For many years, Union Carbide made and sold these beautiful emeralds. They were used in early laser technology, called masers, and even in a special jewelry collection.
Death
Edith Flanigen passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 96.
Awards and Recognition
Celebrating Her Achievements
Edith Flanigen received many important awards and honors throughout her life. She was the first woman to ever receive the Perkin Medal in 1992. This is a very prestigious award in chemistry. In 2004, she was also welcomed into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. This is a special place for people who have created amazing inventions.
The Edith Flanigen Award
To honor her legacy, the Edith Flanigen Award was created in 2014. This award was started by a research center at Humboldt University of Berlin. It is given every year to a talented young female scientist who is just starting her career. The very first award went to Natacha Krins for her work at the University of Paris.
Receiving the National Medal
In 2012, Edith was given the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. This is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive in the United States! On November 20, 2014, President Barack Obama himself presented her with this medal. He recognized her incredible contributions to science and technology.
List of Major Awards
- 1991: Chemical Pioneer Award from the American Institute of Chemists
- 1992: Perkin Medal (Edith M. Flanigen was the first woman to receive this important award!)
- 1993: Garvan Medal
- 2004: Inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame
- 2004: Lemelson–MIT Lifetime Achievement Award
- 2012: The Edith M. Flanigen Honeywell invitational lecture series in material science was started in her honor.
- 2012: National Medal of Technology and Innovation
See also
In Spanish: Edith M. Flanigen para niños
