The idea that understanding the form and function of molecules that make up life is essential to understanding life itself has guided Professor Leemor Joshua-Tor throughout more than 25 years of research. The latest honor in her distinguished career is the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s 2018 Mildred Cohn Award in Biological Chemistry, named for the pioneering biochemist who developed powerful techniques for understanding how molecules behave in the body.
“I’m so thrilled to be honored with this award named after such an incredible trailblazer as Mildred Cohn,” said Joshua-Tor. “What an inspiration!”
The highly prestigious Cohn Award recognizes innovative scientists who have made substantial advances in understanding biological chemistry. It was awarded recently, for instance, to UC Berkeley’s Jennifer Doudna, who co-discovered the enormously influential CRISPR gene editing tool.
At the 2018 ASBMB Annual Meeting this April, Joshua-Tor will give a talk titled “The origin recognition complex: Where it all begins,“ focused on her research into the structure of a molecule that enables DNA to be accurately replicated as each new cell is born. It is one of countless projects that Joshua-Tor has tackled since joining CSHL’s faculty in 1995. In that time, she was also instrumental in launching CSHL’s Watson School of Biological Sciences, serving as Dean for five years and inspiring the next generation of scientists to adopt a molecular mentality.
Written by: Andrea Alfano, Content Developer/Communicator | publicaffairs@cshl.edu | 516-367-8455