DR. ELIZABETH BLACKBURN
BIOLOGIST
Dr. Blackburn is a Nobel Prize winning scientist whose discoveries relating to DNA transformed the field of biology.
Dr. Blackburn discovered the enzyme “telomerase.” Telemerase effects “telomeres” at the ends of DNA. This is an extremely important for how our cells divide.
After her initial discovery she continued biomedical research including studying how stress affects our health and telemeres, and did work in the field of bioethics. She is currently at the University of California, San Fransciso.
Dr. Blackburn’s card was developed by CAPTS and former Hoover High student Jasmine G.
Further Resources
Short STEM Star Interview
Q: What was your favorite subject in K-12?
A: Science - any kind!
Q: Did you have a favorite teacher growing up? Why was she your favorite?
A: Mrs Hughes, our science teacher. I liked that she led class field trips to observe biology and ecosystems - on beaches and in forests - in Tasmania, where I grew up.
Q: Who inspired your growing up? Why?
A: The scientist Marie Curie. She felt that being a scientist was a great and noble calling.
Q: Do you have children, nieces, nephews or another special relationship to a child?
A: I love talking to my nieces and nephews to find out what they care about and what they like doing most.
Q: Do you have pets or a favorite animal?
A: I have a cat now. When I was growing up my family had several pets: cats, dog, canaries, budgerigars, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, goldfish - I loved them all!
Q: What is the weather like where you live? Is there anything interesting about it?
A: Although it is often cool and moderate, the patterns of seasonal weather have become much more unpredictable and extreme in the last few years