Martha L. Ludwig

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Martha Ludwig

Martha L. Ludwig (August 16, 1931 – November 27, 2006) was an American biochemist renowned for her contributions to the field of crystallography and enzyme structure. She was a professor at the University of Michigan and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Early Life and Education

Martha L. Ludwig was born on August 16, 1931, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her B.S. degree in chemistry from Cornell University in 1952. She then pursued her Ph.D. in biochemistry at University of California, Berkeley, which she completed in 1956.

Career

After completing her Ph.D., Ludwig joined the faculty at the University of Michigan in 1967. She became a full professor in 1976 and was later named the J. Lawrence Oncley Distinguished University Professor of Biological Chemistry. Her research primarily focused on the structural analysis of proteins and enzymes using X-ray crystallography.

Research Contributions

Ludwig made significant contributions to the understanding of flavoproteins and oxidoreductases. Her work on the structure of flavodoxin and dihydrofolate reductase provided critical insights into their mechanisms of action. She was also involved in the study of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme crucial for protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Ludwig received numerous awards and honors, including:

• Election to the National Academy of Sciences in 1986
• The American Chemical Society's Garvan-Olin Medal in 1992
• The Protein Society's Stein and Moore Award in 2001

Personal Life

Martha L. Ludwig was married to biochemist Rowena G. Matthews, with whom she frequently collaborated on research projects. She passed away on November 27, 2006, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Legacy

Ludwig's pioneering work in crystallography and enzyme structure has had a lasting impact on the field of biochemistry. Her research continues to influence studies on protein structure and function.

See Also

• Crystallography
• Enzyme
• Flavoprotein
• University of Michigan
• National Academy of Sciences