Karen Wetterhahn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Karen Wetterhahn
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| Born | October 16, 1948 Plattsburgh, New York, U.S.
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| Died | June 8, 1997 (aged 48) Lyme, New Hampshire, U.S.
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| Other names | Karen Wetterhahn Jennette |
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| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Chemistry |
| Institutions | Dartmouth College |
| Thesis | Metallointercalation reagents: synthesis, physical properties and their interaction with nucleic acids (1975) |
| Doctoral advisor | Stephen J. Lippard |
| Influenced | Christine Alewine |
Karen Elizabeth Wetterhahn (born October 16, 1948 – died June 8, 1997) was a brilliant American chemistry professor. She taught at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Karen specialized in studying how toxic metals affect living things.
Sadly, she died at age 48 from mercury poisoning. This happened after she accidentally touched a dangerous chemical called dimethylmercury (Hg(CH3)2). Even though she wore protective gloves, they were not strong enough. Just a few drops of the chemical soaked through her gloves. This exposure was fatal in less than a year.
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Karen Wetterhahn's Life and Work
Karen Wetterhahn was born in Plattsburgh, New York. She loved science and studied hard. She earned her first degree from St. Lawrence University in 1970. Later, she received her advanced degree, called a doctorate, from Columbia University in 1975.
In 1976, Karen joined the teaching staff at Dartmouth College. She became a respected professor there. She wrote over 85 research papers during her career. These papers shared her important discoveries with other scientists.
Supporting Women in Science
Karen Wetterhahn was also a champion for women in science. In 1990, she helped start the Women in Science Project (WISP) at Dartmouth College. This program encouraged more women to study science.
Thanks to WISP, the number of women studying science at Dartmouth grew a lot. It went from 13% to 25%. This project became a great example for other schools across the country.
A Lasting Impact on Lab Safety
Karen Wetterhahn's death was a shock to everyone. It affected not only her colleagues at Dartmouth but also safety organizations. This was because she had followed all known safety rules at the time. She used latex gloves, worked in a special safety area called a fume hood, and followed standard lab procedures.
Improving Safety Gloves
After her mercury poisoning was discovered, her colleagues did more tests. They checked different safety gloves against dimethylmercury. They found that this tiny chemical could pass through most gloves very quickly. It was much faster than anyone expected.
Because of this discovery, safety rules changed. Now, scientists must wear special plastic laminate gloves when handling dimethylmercury. This helps keep them much safer.
Changes to Chemical Use
At the time, dimethylmercury was used to check special scientific equipment. It was chosen because it had some benefits over other chemicals. However, after Karen's accident, safety advice was updated. Now, using dimethylmercury for any purpose is strongly discouraged.
Karen Wetterhahn's legacy includes a huge and lasting improvement in how labs handle dangerous chemicals. Her story helped make laboratories much safer for everyone.
Honoring Karen Wetterhahn
Dartmouth College has created an award in Karen Wetterhahn's name. This award encourages other women to pursue careers in science. When possible, the award is given to a woman.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences also gives out an annual award. This award honors Karen Wetterhahn and is given to a graduate student or researcher.
See also
In Spanish: Karen Wetterhahn para niños
