Mary Jane Osborn

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Mary Jane Osborn in 1982

Mary Jane Osborn (August 20, 1927 – January 17, 2019) was an American biochemist known for her pioneering research in the field of biochemistry. She made significant contributions to the understanding of lipopolysaccharides and bacterial cell walls. Osborn was a professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.

Early Life and Education

Mary Jane Osborn was born on August 20, 1927, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Smith College in 1949. She then pursued her Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, where she worked under the guidance of David E. Green.

Career and Research

After completing her Ph.D., Osborn conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of California, Berkeley. In 1961, she joined the faculty at the University of Connecticut Health Center, where she would spend the majority of her career.

Osborn's research focused on the structure and function of lipopolysaccharides, which are essential components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Her work provided critical insights into the biosynthesis of these molecules and their role in bacterial pathogenicity.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Mary Jane Osborn received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to science. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1984 and was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Osborn also received the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Merit Award from the National Institutes of Health.

Personal Life

Mary Jane Osborn was married to John Osborn, a fellow scientist, and they had two children. She was known for her dedication to mentoring young scientists and her commitment to advancing the role of women in science.

Legacy

Mary Jane Osborn's work has had a lasting impact on the field of biochemistry, particularly in the study of bacterial cell walls and lipopolysaccharides. Her research continues to influence studies on bacterial pathogenicity and the development of new antibiotics.

See Also

• Biochemistry
• Lipopolysaccharides
• Bacterial cell wall
• University of Connecticut Health Center
• National Academy of Sciences