ARLENE BLUM, PhD.
Arlene Blum PhD, biophysical chemist, author, and mountaineer is a Research Associate in Chemistry at UC Berkeley and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute. The Institute’s scientific research and policy work with government and business has contributed to preventing the use of “Six Classes” of harmful chemicals including flame retardants and fluorinated chemicals in children’s sleepwear, furniture, electronics, and other products world-wide.
Arlene Blum led the first American—and all-women’s—ascent of Annapurna I, considered one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountains, co-led the first women’s team to climb Denali; completed the Great Himalayan Traverse across the mountain regions of Bhutan, Nepal, and India; and hiked the length of the European Alps with her baby daughter on her back. She is the author of Annapurna: A Woman’s Place and Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life.
Blum’s awards include her 2018 induction into the California Hall of Fame, 2017 UC Berkeley International House Alumna of the Year, 2015 award for lifetime achievement of a Reed College graduate, selection by the UK Guardian as one of the “World’s 100 Most Inspiring Women”, National Women’s History Project selection as one of 100 “Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet,” selection as an American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow, and election to the Hall of Mountaineering Excellence.
Arlene Blum received her PhD in Biophysical chemistry from UC Berkeley and has taught at UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and Wellesly College. More information at www.greensciencepolicy.org and www.arleneblum.com
See Arlene’s resume.
Visit the Arlene Blum Archives at the Stanford Green Library.
High Hopes Dinner Wheeler Award Video
MEDIA
- Podship Earth: Episode 79, Arlene (2020)
- Bloomberg Business Week: The Woman Who Got Bromine Out of Kids’ Pajamas (2019)
- SF Chronicle: Scientist Inducted Into California Hall Of Fame
- Outside Magazine: An Oral History of the First US Ascent of Annapurna (2017)
- Science Magazine: Tackling Toxics (2016)
- New York Times Retro Report: A Flame Retardant That Came With Its Own Threat to Health (2015)
- New York Times Magazine: How dangerous is your couch? (2012)
LECTURES
Arlene Blum presents Science and Policy workshops and keynote lectures that inform, inspire, and motivate. They are based on her experiences as a research scientist, public health advocate, and pioneering expedition leader. All presentations are tailored to an event’s specific needs.
To learn more or to schedule a lecture or workshop, click here.
Photo: Chris Jordan-Bloch/Earthjustice