| Charlotte Friend | |
|---|---|
| Born | March 11, 1921 New York City, New York |
| Died | January 13, 1987 New York, New York |
| Residence | New York, New York |
| Citizenship | U.S. |
| Nationality | U.S. |
| Fields | Virology |
| Institutions | New York University, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research |
| Alma mater | Hunter College, Yale |
| Known for | Discovery of the Friend Leukemia Virus and Friend erythroleukemia cells, her research is still widely used today. It has become especially important in the field of HIV/AIDS research following her death. |
| Notable awards | Hunter College Hall of Fame, Yale Science and Engineering Association Award, Dameshek Medal, Prix Griffuel, Papanicolaou Award, Member of the National Academy of Sciences |
Charlotte Friend (March 11, 1921 - January 13, 1987) was an American virologist. She is best known for her discovery of the Friend Leukemia Virus and Friend erythroleukemia cells alongside Etienne de Harven.[1] Charlotte Friend was a leading virologist who discovered viral leukemia. She is survived by her younger brother Morris, Niece and nephew Carol and Gary and great Niece and Nephew Bonnie and Peter. She is also survived by the many family, friends, and colleges whose lives she touched.
FAMILY
Charlotte Friend had an especially close relationship with her family. Her mother lived with her until her death in the 1970s. Her brother Morris was especially close, whenever she would travel she would make sure to get stamps to add to his collection. Her friends and colleagues would often stay with her at her home when visiting the NY area and her home became known as the "Friend Hotel".
Role Model to Women She was a role model to women everywhere. Graduating from Yale with a PhD she was the only woman in her class. When she presented her theories she was often shut down due to her gender. One doctor said that the only thing bigger than the holes in her research were the holes in her head. As a woman and a leader in her field she paved the way for modern research in cancer, and her theories of cancer viruses are now considered plausible. Her research is cited in numerous studies on HIV and other viral research.