John Fenn - Definition

Dr. John B. Fenn (born June 15, 1917) is a research professor of analytical chemistry who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2002. Fenn won the award for his work in the field of mass spectrometry, specifically for the electrospray ionization technique often used to identify and analyze biological macromolecules.

Fenn's discovery quickly produced broad practical benefits. For example, it rapidly increased the speed with which complex new pharmaceutical compounds could be evaluated, leading directly to the development of life-saving AIDS medications (protease inhibitors) in the mid-1990s.

Fenn received an A.B. from Berea College, and a Ph.D. from Yale University. He made his Nobel Prize-winning discovery when he was 70 years old.

Fenn joined Virginia Commonwealth University in 1994 as professor of analytical chemistry, after more than 20 years at Yale University.

External link

• Autobiography Nobel Prize Website (http://www.nobel.se/chemistry/laureates/2002/fenn-autobio.html)