Carol W. Greider

Carol W. Greider was born on April 15, 1961, in San Diego, California. She would go on to become a renowned molecular biologist known for her work on the discovery of telomerase, an enzyme that builds telomeres, the protective ends of chromosomes. This discovery later paved the way for advances in cancer research and understanding the mechanisms of aging.

In 1987, Carol W. Greider, while working as a graduate student under Elizabeth Blackburn at the University of California, Berkeley, co-discovered the enzyme telomerase. This enzyme is crucial in the maintenance of chromosomes and cellular reproduction, providing a mechanism for cells to divide without losing vital genetic information at the ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres.

Carol W. Greider moved to Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1997, where she became a professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. At Johns Hopkins, Greider continued her pioneering research on the enzyme telomerase, furthering our understanding of its role in cancer and other age-related diseases. Her work at Johns Hopkins significantly contributed to the fields of biomedicine and genetics.

In 2006, Carol W. Greider was awarded the Dickson Prize in Medicine. The Dickson Prize is awarded annually by the University of Pittsburgh to individuals who have made significant, progressive contributions to the field of medicine. Greider's groundbreaking research and co-discovery of telomerase highlight her as a key figure in medical research, particularly in the study of cancer and aging.

Carol W. Greider was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009, along with Elizabeth Blackburn and Jack Szostak, for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. This seminal work has had a profound impact on the biological understanding of aging and cancer, setting a foundation for numerous advances in medical research and treatments.

In 2013, Carol W. Greider was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors for a scientist in the United States. Members are elected in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Greider's election to the Academy underscores her impressive contributions to molecular biology and genetics, especially her research into the role of telomeres and telomerase.

In 2014, Carol W. Greider received the Elizabeth Blackburn Award for her significant contributions to the field of telomere biology. The award is named after Elizabeth Blackburn, her mentor and collaborator, and acknowledges Greider's impactful research that has enhanced our understanding of cellular biology and the biological mechanisms of aging and disease.

In 2019, Carol W. Greider announced her plans to step down as the director of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Johns Hopkins University. Her decision marked the end of an era in which she led groundbreaking research teams and work that significantly advanced our understanding of telomeres. While she stepped down as director, she continued to contribute as a professor and researcher.

In 2019, Carol W. Greider joined the faculty of the University of California, Santa Cruz as a Distinguished Professor. At UCSC, she continues her molecular biology research, exploring the implications of telomere biology for human health. Her move to UCSC was a significant step, underscoring her commitment to collaborative research and education in the field of biological sciences.