Campus Announcements

"A Life of Mountains and Molecules"

Arlene Blum ’66 is the recipient of this year's Thomas Lamb Eliot Award, recognizing distinguished and sustained achievement by a Reed College graduate. Using the skills and tenacity she learned during her years at Reed, Blum has led expeditions to the world’s most challenging mountains. Her scientific research and policy work have benefited human health and the global environment. In this illustrated lecture, Blum will share her favorite photos and stories of how she realized improbable dreams among the world’s highest mountains, in the chemistry laboratory, and in the public policy arena. Biophysical chemist, author, and mountaineer, Blum is a visiting scholar in chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute, which brings together government, industry, scientists, and citizen groups worldwide to support chemical policies to protect human health and the global environment. Blum’s research and policy work with the institute has helped eliminate toxic flame retardants in children's sleepwear, furniture, electronics, and other products globally. Blum’s awards include selection as an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, selection by the U.K. Guardian as one of the world’s 100 most inspiring women, National Women’s History Project selection as one of 100 “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” and election to the Hall of Mountaineering Excellence.

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