Who Is Karen Wetterhahn? Age, Biography and Wiki
Karen Wetterhahn was born on October 16, 1948, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and later obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Dartmouth College. Wetterhahn was known for her groundbreaking research in the field of toxicology, particularly concerning heavy metal exposure. Tragically, her life was cut short when she passed away on August 8, 1997, due to mercury poisoning, an incident that raised awareness about laboratory safety and the dangers of chemical exposure.
| Occupation | Scientists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 16, 1948 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birth Place | Plattsburgh, New York, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | Lebanon |
| Date of death | 8 June, 1997 |
| Died Place | Lebanon, New Hampshire, U.S. |
Popularity
Karen Wetterhahn's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a public figure from the late 20th century, specific measurements regarding Karen Wetterhahn’s height and weight are not widely documented. However, she was known to embody the typical stature of women during her time, generally around 5'5" (165 cm) in height. Her work largely focused on chemistry and toxicity, making her physical statistics secondary to her achievements in science.
On August 14, 1996, Wetterhahn, a specialist in toxic metal exposure, was studying the way mercury ions interact with DNA repair proteins and investigating the toxic properties of another highly toxic heavy metal, cadmium. She was using dimethylmercury, at the time the standard internal reference for ^{199}Hg nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Details regarding Karen Wetterhahn’s family life and personal relationships remain sparse. However, it is known that she was married to fellow chemist John Wetterhahn and had a loving family who supported her throughout her career. Given her untimely death, much of her romantic and familial narratives have become overshadowed by her professional legacy.
Despite aggressive chelation therapy, her condition rapidly deteriorated. Three weeks after the first neurological symptoms appeared, Wetterhahn lapsed into what appeared to be a vegetative state punctuated by periods of extreme agitation. One of her former students said that "Her husband saw tears rolling down her face. I asked if she was in pain.
The doctors said it didn't appear that her brain could even register pain." Wetterhahn was removed from life support and pronounced dead on June 8, 1997, ten months after her initial exposure.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing, Karen Wetterhahn’s estimated net worth is not clearly documented, as she was primarily known for her contributions to science rather than for self-promotion or financial ventures. However, it is understood that her academic position and research funding enabled her to live a comfortable lifestyle. Since her legacy impacts awareness and policies related to laboratory safety, her contributions can be viewed as invaluable rather than monetary.
Career, Business and Investments
Karen Wetterhahn’s illustrious career in chemistry began following her academic pursuits. She became a professor at Dartmouth College and was recognized for her work in the field of toxicology and the environmental impact of heavy metals. Wetterhahn’s research significantly impacted scientific understanding of how substances like mercury affect human health. Her investigations into the reactions of heavy metals in living cells have paved the way for safer laboratory practices.
Social Network
While Karen Wetterhahn’s personal social networks were not extensively documented in the 1990s, her scientific publications and involvement in academic organizations showcased her connections within the chemistry community. In today’s context, if she were alive, she might have leveraged social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to network with other professionals in her field.
She earned her bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University in 1970 and her doctorate from Columbia University in 1975. Her doctoral work was supervised by Stephen J. Lippard. She joined Dartmouth's faculty in 1976 and published more than 85 research papers.
In 1990, Wetterhahn helped establish Dartmouth College's Women in Science Project (WISP), which helped to raise the share of women science majors from 13 to 25 percent at Dartmouth College and has become a national model.
Education
Karen Wetterhahn’s educational background laid a solid foundation for her groundbreaking career. She received her bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and obtained her Ph.D. from Dartmouth College. Wetterhahn was not only a brilliant academic but also an advocate for women in science, encouraging future generations to pursue careers in chemistry and related fields.
Karen Elizabeth Wetterhahn (October 16, 1948 – June 8, 1997), also known as Karen Wetterhahn Jennette, was an American professor of chemistry at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, who specialized in toxic metal exposure.
She died of mercury poisoning at the age of 48 due to accidental exposure to the extremely toxic organic mercury compound dimethylmercury (Hg(CH3)2).
Protective gloves in use at the time of the incident provided insufficient protection, and exposure to only a few drops of the chemical absorbed through the gloves proved to be fatal after less than a year.
