Jerome Karle

Jerome Karle was born on June 18, 1918, in New York City, United States. He became known as a prominent American physical chemist known for his significant work in the development of X-ray crystallography, a technique used to determine the atomic structure of crystals. Jerome Karle's contributions to the field of chemistry have earned him recognition as one of the foremost scientists of his time.

Jerome Karle's scientific career was launched in 1937 when he began working as a chemist at the New York State Department of Health. This initial position allowed him to apply his academic training in biology and chemistry to real-world problems, leading to his eventual transition into the field of physical chemistry. This period marked the beginning of a long and productive career in scientific research and discovery.

Jerome Karle graduated from the City College of New York in 1938 with a bachelor's degree in Biology. During his time at college, Karle showed a strong interest in the natural sciences, which directed him towards a prominent career in physical chemistry. His undergraduate education provided him with the foundational knowledge that facilitated his future contributions to the field of crystallography.

Jerome Karle married Isabella Lugoski on January 1, 1939. Isabella was also a notable physical chemist, and she collaborated extensively with her husband on scientific research. Their partnership yielded significant advancements in understanding the structures of compounds and molecules. Together, the Karles' contributions had a lasting impact on the field of crystallography.

Jerome Karle completed his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1944. His research focused on utilizing physical chemistry principles to study complex chemical interactions. The work he conducted during his doctoral studies laid the foundation for his future contributions to X-ray crystallography and his eventual groundbreaking research alongside his wife, Isabella Karle.

In 1953, Jerome Karle joined the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., where he began work in crystal structure analysis using X-ray scattering methods. His work at this institution advanced the field of crystalography, and he developed numerous techniques that are still in use today. His research contributed substantially to the scientific community's understanding of molecular structures.

In 1972, Jerome Karle served as the president of the American Crystallographic Association. During his tenure, he supported efforts to advance the field of crystallography and to promote collaboration among scientists dedicated to studying molecular and crystal structures. His leadership helped strengthen the association's role in the scientific community, fostering research and innovation.

Jerome Karle was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1985 alongside his colleague Herbert A. Hauptman. They were recognized for their outstanding discovery of the direct methods for the determination of crystal structures. Karle's work helped solve complex structures, paving the way for significant advancements in chemistry and related sciences. His research continues to have a lasting impact on various scientific fields.

In 2010, Jerome Karle retired from the Naval Research Laboratory after a distinguished career spanning over five decades. His tenure at the laboratory was marked by numerous breakthroughs in the methodology of X-ray crystallography. Karle's work laid the groundwork for many modern advances in the study of molecular structures, impacting both academic research and practical applications in various industries.

Jerome Karle passed away on June 6, 2013, in Annandale, Virginia, at the age of 94. His death marked the loss of an influential figure in the field of physical chemistry. Karle's lifetime of achievements, particularly his contributions to X-ray crystallography and his Nobel Prize-winning work, left a profound legacy within the scientific community and inspired future generations of scientists.