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Kathlyn Parker
Alma mater Stanford University
Scientific career
Institutions Stony Brook University
Brown University
Thesis Part I. The synthesis of dendrolasin; Part II. The cyclization of 4-(trans, trans-7,12-dimethyl-3,7,11-tridecatrienyl)-3-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-ol. (1970)

Kathlyn Ann Parker is a brilliant chemist. She is famous for making new chemicals. These chemicals are often found in living things. She is a respected member of the American Chemical Society. She also won a special award for her work. This award is called the Garvan–Olin Medal.

Her Amazing Journey in Chemistry

Kathlyn Parker grew up in Chicago. She went to Senn High School there. After high school, she studied at Northwestern University. She earned her first degree in 1966.

While in college, Kathlyn won a special award. It was from a student group called the American Institute of Chemists. She wrote an essay called "Chemistry as a Profession". She was the first woman to ever win this award.

Becoming a Doctor of Chemistry

Kathlyn continued her studies at Stanford University. She earned her Ph.D. in 1970. A Ph.D. is a very high degree. It means she became an expert in her field.

After Stanford, she did more research. She worked at Columbia University for a short time. This is called postdoctoral research.

Teaching and Research at Universities

From 1973 to 2001, Kathlyn Parker taught at Brown University. She was part of the chemistry department. In 2001, she moved to Stony Brook University.

At Stony Brook, she continued her important work. In 2017, she was named a distinguished professor. This is a very high honor for a university teacher.

What She Researches

Kathlyn Parker is known for her work in organic synthesis. This is like building new things. But instead of LEGOs, chemists use atoms and molecules. They put them together to make new chemical compounds.

She focuses on making natural products. These are chemicals found in nature. For example, they might come from plants or animals. Her methods help make these compounds efficiently. This means making them in a smart and quick way.

Awards and Honors

Kathlyn Parker has received many awards. These awards show how important her work is.

  • In 1987, she was a fellow of the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. This is a special honor for talented people.
  • In 2009, she became a fellow of the American Chemical Society. This means she is a highly respected member.
  • Also in 2009, she received the Francis P. Garvan-John M. Olin Medal. This award is given to women chemists. It celebrates their outstanding achievements.
  • In 2017, she received the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award. This award recognized her amazing work. It celebrated her skill in making new organic compounds.
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