Profiling a Scientist, Annelise Barron
Profiling a Scientist: Annelise Barron
Mundane Research Tasks and Rare Eureka Moments
Listen to Joe Palca's interview. |
Chemical engineer Annelise Barron is experimenting with synthetic molecules that, used as a drug, may help doctors treat a variety of lung ailments. |
Feb. 25, 2002 -- Most basic research in the United States is carried out in universities. But to enjoy the intellectual freedom universities provide, faculty researchers must make compromises. NPR science correspondent Joe Palca profiles a chemical engineer at Northwestern University whose dreams for discovering new drugs are filtered through the realities of being a college professor.
Assistant professor Annelise Barron and her graduate student Cindy Wu have been working for three years to make an artificial version of a molecule that is typically found in lungs. The first goal is to use it for premature infants whose lungs haven't started making this crucial molecule.
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Graduate student Cindy Wu carries out Barron's research ideas. |
During Palca's visit, Barron and Wu get the results from their latest experiment, and the data, says Barron, are the best she's seen so far. It's the kind of moment scientists dream about.
Such moments of high excitement are precious -- but rare. The day to day story of science in American universities is much more mundane.
Hear Barron's story on All Things Considered.
Read more about Barron's research at Northwestern University's Web site.
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