Carol Greider
Carol W. Greider is a molecular biologist whose curiosity and determination led to one of the most significant discoveries in genetics, telomerase. Greider overcame the challenges of dyslexia at a young age, channeling her passion for science into a remarkable academic journey. As a Ph.D. student at the University of California she identified telomerase in 1984, an achievement that revolutionized our understanding of cellular aging and cancer. Her work continued at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and later at Johns Hopkins University, where she became a leading force in molecular biology. In 2009, her groundbreaking contributions were honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, shared with Blackburn and Jack Szostak, for their research on telomeres and telomerase. Beyond her scientific achievements, Greider is a tireless advocate for women in STEM, inspiring the next generation of researchers. Now a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, she continues to push the boundaries of discovery, shaping the future of molecular biology.
-Casey
