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Neena B. Schwartz
For more than 50 years Schwartz has been a leading researcher in physiology and reproductive endocrinology. She has made important contributions toward understanding the hormones involved in communication between the brain, pituitary gland, and reproductive organs; her long-standing interests include the mechanisms by which this communication normally occurs and how system dysfunction leads to reproductive disorders and disease. A native of Baltimore, Schwartz studied English at Goucher College and originally aspired to become a journalist before switching her focus to science. After graduating she earned advanced degrees in physiology at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Schwartz began her career as assistant professor of physiology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago and in 1957 became director of biological laboratories for Michael Reese Hospital’s Institute for Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Research and Training. She returned to the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1961, serving as professor of physiology, assistant dean of faculty affairs, and professor of neuroendocrinology. In 1973 Schwartz joined the faculty of the Feinberg School. The following year she was named Deering Professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences. In 1980 she founded Northwestern’s Program for Reproductive Research (now the Center for Reproductive Science), which became a premier training site for students and investigators in reproductive endocrinology. The center has grown to include 36 faculty members from 11 departments, providing a forum for both research and training in reproductive biology. Schwartz also served as Weinberg’s acting dean in 1996–97. In 1987 the Alumnae of Northwestern University honored Schwartz with its annual Alumnae Award, and in 1995 she received the Northwestern Alumni Association’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Author of more than 200 articles and publications, she has also been honored with the Carl Hartman Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction and election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In addition to her research, Schwartz has worked to secure equal treatment for women in science. “I strongly believe that the particular skills and approach that women bring to their work is sorely needed in science itself and in political uses of science,” says Schwartz. “It is appropriate that we influence the directions of research and application to human welfare.” She cofounded the Association of Women in Science and within the Endocrine Society founded Women in Endocrinology. As president of the Endocrine Society and the Society for the Study of Reproduction, she formulated organizational policies that have advanced women’s careers. In recognition of this and other accomplishments, the Endocrine Society presented her with its inaugural Distinguished Educator Award in 1998. For her work as a mentor to women and underrepresented minorities, she received the 2002 Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Schwartz has consulted for such companies as Abbott Laboratories, G. D. Searle, and Wyeth Laboratories. She has served on the advisory boards of the American Menopause Foundation, Endotronic, and World Book Science Annual and has participated in advisory committees for such groups as the National Institutes of Health, the National Research Council, and the Institute of Medicine. Now retired, Schwartz lives in Evanston. |
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A pioneer in the field of endocrinology,
Neena B. Schwartz has dedicated her life to academics, reproductive research,
and the advancement of
women in science.