Medical researcher and health educator Mathilde Krim, Ph.D. was born in Como, Italy, and moved to the United States in 1959. In 1981, after the first cases of AIDS were discovered, Krim shifted her research from cytogenetics and cancer-causing viruses to AIDS. She recognized the possible impact of AIDS and worked to educate the public about its cause and transmission. In 1983, Krim founded the AIDS Medical Foundation, which later became the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), and from 1990-2004 she served as the Chairperson of the Board. Krim holds 13 doctorates honoris causa and in 2000 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for the work she has contributed to AIDS prevention, awareness, and research.

 

 

Works Cited:

• Article is excerpted from the NWHM Summer 2006 Newsletter
• PHOTO: Darmouth College
  

 

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