“The greatest threat to human health is not the complexity of disease, but the complexity of the way we think about disease.” – Mary-Claire King
Widely known for her extraordinary work, Dr. Mary Claire King has revolutionized our understanding of human health and genetics. King was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and pursued her education with a passion for science and mathematics, earning her a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics in 1966 at Carleton College in Minnesota. Later, she completed a Ph.D. in genetics at the University of California, Berkeley in 1973. A postdoctoral fellowship at UC San Francisco eventually followed this.
Dr. King is mainly known for her discovery of the BRCA1 gene, which revealed that the possibility of breast cancer could be rooted in genetic mutations. This discovery fundamentally transformed the interpretation and treatments of breast and ovarian cancers. King helped conclude that a high-risk group amongst those who inherited the cancer was primarily those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. As part of the New York Breast Cancer Study, there was an introduction of genomic technology. This technology uncovered mutations that were previously undetectable, ensuring that individuals could be treated before the disease progressed. Dr. King aims to refine genomic technology and link gene variations to factors like age and severity. These strategies help pave the way for strategies that are personalized to each diagnosis.
Along with her contributions to cancer research, Dr. King has applied her knowledge to other areas of research such as schizophrenia, inherited disorders in children, and human evolution. Her research into schizophrenia delves into mutations during fetal brain development.
Using her expertise, King has discovered that there could be disruptions in critical processes like neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and synaptic transmission. Ultimately, King offers insight into the complex processes involved with the condition.
Not only does Dr. King’s work focus on lab work, but it also extends to human rights efforts. King pioneered the use of DNA sequencing to reunite families that were separated during Argentina’s military dictatorship. This highlights one of King’s many societal impacts with her scientific knowledge. King’s approaches to ongoing issues inspire several other scientists and researchers to strive for accomplishments like hers.
Throughout her career, King has received a myriad of awards reflecting her influence on scientific discoveries. She has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society. Although she has many achievements, some notable ones include the Lasker Special Achievement Award for medical research in 2014 and the United States National Medal of Science in 2016.
Dr. King serves as the American Cancer Society Professor in the Department of Medicine and Genome Sciences at the University of Washington and is still a leading force in scientific research. Her discoveries and dedication to solving complex human health challenges continue to leave an enduring impact, encouraging the future generation to push the boundaries of medicine and science.
Works Cited
Breast Cancer Research Foundation (no date) “Mary-Claire King, PhD,” Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available at:
https://www.bcrf.org/researchers/mary-claire-king/ (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
University of Washington (no date) Mary-Claire King, PhD, Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics. Available at:
https://medgen.uw.edu/people/mary-claire-king (Accessed: 22 January 2025).
University of Washington (no date) “Mary-Claire King, PhD,” Genome Sciences.
Available at: https://www.gs.washington.edu/faculty/king.htm
(Accessed: 22 January 2025).
Hi, my name is Ashley John and I’m currently a freshman at NYU. I major in biology on a pre-med track and hope to inspire girls worldwide and advocate for women in STEM.
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