Alice S Huang

Alice S. Huang is an American biologist specializing in microbiology and virology, known for her research on defective interfering particles (DIPs) used to combat viruses such as cancer, HIV, and plant diseases. Born in 1939 in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, she emigrated to the U.S. in 1949. She attended several educational institutions, including Wellesley College and Johns Hopkins University, where she earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1966.

Huang's career included significant contributions to virology, particularly her work with David Baltimore on viral replication mechanisms, leading to the discovery of reverse transcriptase. She taught at Harvard Medical School from 1971 to 1991 and held leadership roles in professional societies, including presidency of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). She received numerous awards, such as the Eli Lilly Award in Immunology and Microbiology and honorary degrees from institutions like Wheaton College and Mount Holyoke College.

In 2015, she faced controversy after advising a postdoctoral scholar on handling workplace harassment by enduring it humorously. Despite criticism, she defended her advice, emphasizing long-term interests over political agendas. Beyond her scientific achievements, Huang was married to Dr. David Baltimore and had one daughter. Her legacy is marked by both her scientific contributions and her stance on professional challenges.