Evelyn M. Witkin
Evelyn M. Witkin | |
|---|---|
Witkin in 2012 | |
| Born | Evelyn Ruth Maisel March 9, 1921 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | July 8, 2023 (aged 102) |
| Alma mater | Columbia University (PhD) |
| Known for | Work on DNA mutagenesis and DNA repair |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 (1 deceased), including Andy |
| Awards | Member of National Academy of Sciences Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal (2000) National Medal of Science (2002) Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research (2015) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Bacterial genetics |
| Institutions | Columbia University New York University Rutgers University |
| Thesis | Genetics of Resistance to Radiation in Escherichia Coli (1947) |
Evelyn M. Witkin (née Maisel; March 9, 1921 – July 8, 2023) was an American bacterial geneticist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1944–1955), SUNY Downstate Medical Center (1955–1971), and Rutgers University (1971–1991). Witkin was considered innovative and inspirational as a scientist, teacher and mentor.
Her work on DNA damage and DNA repair in bacteria is foundational to our understanding of such processes in living organisms. Her work has direct application to the effects of aging and to the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases such as cancer. Witkin was awarded the National Medal of Science in 2002 for her pioneering work on DNA mutagenesis and DNA repair. In 2015, Witkin received the Albert Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research "for discoveries concerning the DNA-damage response - a fundamental mechanism that protects the genomes of all living organisms."