Arlene Blum, PhD

Arlene Blum PhD, biophysical chemist, author, and mountaineer is a Visiting Scholar in Chemistry at UC Berkeley and Executive Director of the Green Science Policy Institute. The Institute brings government, industry, scientists and citizens groups together to support chemical policies to protect human health and the global environment. Blum’s research and policy work has contributed to preventing the use of flame retardants and other harmful chemicals in children’s sleepwear, furniture, electronics, and other products world-wide. Arlene Blum led the first American—and all-women’s—ascent of Annapurna I, considered one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult mountains and co-led the first women’s team to climb Denali. She is the author of Annapurna: A Woman’s Place and Breaking Trail: A Climbing Life. Arlene Blum received her PhD in Biophysical chemistry from UC Berkeley and has taught at UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and Wellesley College. More information at www.greensciencepolicy.org and www.arleneblum.com