Mary Jeanne Kreek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Jeanne Kreek
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Kreek (right), receiving Lifetime Science Award
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| Born | 9 February 1937 |
| Died | 27 March 2021 (aged 84) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Wellesley College Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons |
| Known for | Methadone therapy |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Neurobiology |
| Influences | Vincent Dole, Marie Nyswander |
Mary Jeanne Kreek (February 9, 1937 – March 27, 2021) was an important American scientist. She was a neurobiologist, which means she studied the brain and nervous system. Dr. Kreek was known for her research into how the brain works and for developing treatments that helped people with certain medical conditions.
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Early Life and Education
Mary Jeanne Kreek was born in Washington, D.C. on February 9, 1937. She was a very bright student from a young age.
College and Medical School
In 1958, Kreek earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry from Wellesley College. She then went on to medical school. In 1962, she received her M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree. She earned this from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Scientific Career
After finishing medical school, Dr. Kreek continued her training. She completed a special program called a fellowship. This fellowship was in gastroenterology, which is the study of the digestive system. She worked at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center.
Teaching and Research
Dr. Kreek also taught medicine at the Cornell Medical College. She was dedicated to both teaching new doctors and doing important research. Her work focused on understanding how the brain responds to certain substances. She also developed treatments to help people manage these conditions.
In 2000, Dr. Kreek was recognized for her achievements. She was named a Fellow of the New York Academy of Sciences. This is a high honor for scientists. In 2004, she received another special award. Columbia University gave her an Alumni Gold Medal Award. This award was for her "lifetime excellence in medicine."
Work at Rockefeller University
By 2015, Dr. Kreek was a top scientist at Rockefeller University. She was a Senior Attending Physician there. She also held a special title as the Patrick E. and Beatrice M. Haggerty Professor. She led a laboratory that studied the biology of certain brain conditions. Her research helped many people.
International Contributions
Dr. Kreek also shared her knowledge internationally. From 1979 to 2015, she was a visiting professor. She taught at St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies. She also served on the board of directors for a research group there. This group was called the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF).
Personal Life
Mary Jeanne Kreek's father was Louis Francis Kreek. He worked for the United States Patent and Trademark Office. On January 24, 1970, Mary Jeanne Kreek married Dr. Robert A. Schaefer.
Dr. Kreek passed away on March 27, 2021. She was 84 years old. Her work made a lasting impact on science and medicine.
Images for kids
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Dr. Kreek receiving a Lifetime Science Award.
See also
- In Spanish: Mary Jeanne Kreek para niños
