She Makes Evolution

The physicist Marie Curie, the chemist Rosalind Franklin, the marine biologist Rachel Carson and the list extends… What's common between all these women? The passion for science and their insistence to leave an exquisite print despite all the complications a female could face.

Among these scientists, Frances Arnold has left her special print upon me when I was taking my Medicinal Chemistry course. My dean of Pharmacy Professor Mohammad Rahal, who taught me this course, asked me to search for the Nobel Prize winners in chemistry for the same year, 2018. And the prize was one half awarded to Frances H. Arnold "for the directed evolution of enzymes”. Thus, I was impressed and inspired by the evolution Ms. Frances has introduced to our world, despite the complexity of her work.

Recognizing that nature was “the best bioengineer in history”, Frances Arnold has pioneered the use of directed evolution to design new enzymes. These enzymes could produce pharmaceuticals, plastics and other chemicals that would otherwise be made with toxic materials.

As she says: "If you’re going to change the world, you’ve got to be fearless." Accordingly, to all ambitious people out there, don’t let fears stop your spectacular journey towards greatness. Always remember that when there’s a will, there’s a way. So strive endlessly!

Mariam Alkhatib

LPSA’s Chairperson of Media & Publications

Fourth Year Pharmacy Student

Lebanese International University