Alison Butler

Alison Butler is known for pioneering research into the bioinorganic chemistry and metallobiochemistry of the marine environment. Her pivotal discoveries, reflecting her adventurous approach to science, include biosynthesis of a large class of halogenated natural products with vanadium haloperoxidases; biosynthesis and self-assembly of fatty acyl siderophores, molecules bacteria produce to obtain iron; and photo-reactivity Fe(III) siderophores, all affecting life in the ocean, biogeochemical cycles and climate. Professor Butler is a generous mentor, teacher, conference organizer, and leader in national and international scientific organizations. With characteristic energy and enthusiasm, we believe she will contribute meaningfully to the Academy.