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Jeanne A. Hardy, PH.D.
Alma mater Utah State University, University of California - Berkeley
Occupation Professor of Biological and Biophysical Chemistry
Scientific career
Doctoral advisor Hillary C.M. Nelson

Jeanne A. Hardy is an American professor and scientist. She teaches biological and biophysical chemistry at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Her team is well-known for finding ways to control important proteins in our bodies called proteases.

Early Life and Education

Jeanne A. Hardy started her science journey at Utah State University. She earned her first two degrees there in 1994. During this time, she worked with Professor Ann Aust. They studied how proteins in our bodies interact with different elements, like iron.

In 2000, she earned her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focused on a special protein called Heat Shock Transcription Factor. This protein helps other proteins work correctly. It also plays a role in our body's immune system.

After her Ph.D., Dr. Hardy continued her research at a company called Sunesis Pharmaceuticals. She worked with a famous scientist named James "Jim" Wells. He taught her about a method called "tethering." This method is used to find new medicines.

Research and Career

Dr. Hardy joined the University of Massachusetts in 2005. There, she started her own research program. Her work focuses on understanding human proteases. These are special proteins that break down other proteins in our bodies.

She especially studies proteins called caspases. Caspases are important for controlling cell death in our bodies. They are also linked to conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

Dr. Hardy's research group has made important discoveries. They found how zinc can control caspase-6. They also learned how changes in caspase-7 can affect it. Her team has also found molecules that could help against heat shock and other proteases.

For her important work, Dr. Hardy became a tenured professor in 2012. This means she has a permanent teaching position. She was then promoted to a Full Professor in 2018.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Jeanne A. Hardy has received several awards for her contributions to science:

  • 2018 – She received the first Mahoney Prize in the Life Sciences.
  • 2014 – She was a Fulbright Scholar in Paris, France.
  • 2009 – She earned the Lilly Teaching Fellowship.
  • 2008 – She was given the Cottrell Scholar Award.
  • 2003 – She became an NIH Postdoctoral Fellow.
  • 2000 – She was a JSPS Postdoctoral Fellow.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Jeanne Hardy para niños

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