Robin Elizabeth Reed PhD
Robin Reed PhD Obituary
Robin Elizabeth Reed of Boston, MA passed on July 23rd at age 65. Robin was born in Akron, Ohio to parents Nancy Nobel Reed and Lawrence Andrew “Andy” Reed. Robin leaves behind her brother John G. Reed and nephew John “Jay” G. Reed Jr. She was predeceased by her brother Lawrence Andrew "Larry" Reed.
Robin was an athlete and scholar. Early in her life she was an accomplished Equestrian in both dressage and show jumping, decorating her bedroom with blue ribbons and trophies.
Throughout her life Robin was an avid tennis player and golfer, and was dedicated to fitness. She had boundless energy in both in her work and sports, and was an intense competitor in both.
Robin had a modest beginning to her academic career, attending Hiram College in Ohio where she graduated with honors with a degree in Biology. After working as a technician in a laboratory at Yale University and taking advanced courses to prepare for graduate studies, Robin was accepted to the PhD program in
Molecular and Cellular Biology at Yale, working in the laboratory of a Nobel Laureate and receiving her PhD.
Robin then went on to postdoctoral studies at Harvard University, where she made seminal contributions to the understanding of a process called RNA splicing. This work led to her appointment as an Assistant Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School, where she made fundamental contributions to the understanding
of RNA splicing and its role in human diseases, and was promoted to Professor with tenure. She was dedicated to training the next generation of scientists, often hosting students from around the world in her laboratory. Robin was a pioneer for women at the highest level of science, and maintained a rounded and enthusiastic approach to science and life.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and scientific colleagues. She had
so much more life to live.
A Memorial Service is being planned for a future date.
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