Zhao Yufen facts for kids
Zhao Yufen is a famous Chinese chemist. She was born in 1948. She works at Xiamen University in China. Dr. Zhao is known for speaking up about chemical plants. She was also the youngest woman ever chosen for the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This is a very important group of scientists.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Zhao Yufen was born in Qi County, Hebi, Henan, China. In 1949, she moved to Taiwan with her parents. She studied at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan. She graduated from there in 1971.
Later, she moved to the United States for more studies. She earned her Ph.D. from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1975.
Career in Science
After finishing her studies, Dr. Zhao returned to China. In 1979, she became a researcher. She worked at the Institute of Chemistry. This institute is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
She became a professor at Tsinghua University in Beijing in 1988. In 1991, she was elected to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. At that time, she was the youngest woman to join this important group of scientists.
Speaking Up for the Environment
Dr. Zhao is also known for her work in protecting the environment. She has often spoken out against chemical plants. She believes these plants should be built safely.
The Xiamen Chemical Plant
In March 2007, a chemical plant was planned for Xiamen, China. This plant was going to make a chemical called paraxylene (PX). Paraxylene is a petrochemical. It can be harmful to people's health. It can also cause pollution.
Dr. Zhao was very worried about this plant. She said that a project with high risks should not be near a city. She started a petition to stop the plant from being built. She also wrote letters to local leaders. She asked them to move the plant to a safer place.
Public Protest and Outcome
People in Xiamen also became worried. They used text messages to organize a protest against the plant. Many people joined the demonstration. Lawmakers in Xiamen listened to the concerns. They voted against building the plant in the city.
Because of these efforts, the chemical plant was moved. It was relocated to Gulei Peninsula. This was a big win for environmental safety.
Research and Contributions
Dr. Zhao has done a lot of important research in chemistry. She has published her work in many top science journals. These include the Journal of the American Chemical Society and Angewandte Chemie.
In 2014, Dr. Zhao helped start a new science center. This center focuses on phosphorus and marine science. It was built at the Shandong International Biotechnology Park. This shows her ongoing commitment to scientific discovery.
See also
In Spanish: Zhao Yufen para niños
