Rowena Matthews (APS, 2009)

Rowena G. Matthews is the G. Robert Greenberg Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry and a Research Professor Emeritus and Charter Faculty Member, Life Sciences Institute at the University of Michigan. She is an internationally recognized authority on the role of folate- and B12-dependent enzymes in homocysteine metabolism and their relevance to disease. Her discoveries define the biochemical basis for establishing guidelines for folate levels in human nutrition. Matthews has played a major role in the formulation of science policy both nationally and internationally for the Advanced Study Institutes of NATO and on the Council of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Oral History Highlights

What are some joys and frustrations of Lab Life?

Rowena Matthews: I can tell you that when you make a discovery, particularly at the point where you make your own, but also when you see it emerging from the work in your own lab, it's like drugs. It's so thrilling that you can't sleep at night… And when these things just click into place, it's so exciting that first it's confusing and frustrating. And then you look at it and you've got it. And there are other fields in which that happens. But it's an amazing sensation that totally makes you love what you do.