Mark Clutter

Mary E. Clutter (March 29, 1930 – December 9, 2019) was an American plant biologist who studied the interactions between plant hormones and gene activation in order to understand how to manipulate and alter gene expression. A Pennsylvanian, she obtained a Ph.D from the University of Pittsburgh while studying plant tissues and went on to produce groundbreaking genetics research at Yale University. In addition to her research, she spent much time improving outreach for women in science and addressing sex discrimination in regards to promotions and advancement. She joined the National Science Foundation in 1974 and later became assistant director for all of the biological sciences, helping use the Foundation's grants to support scientists based on merit, especially the accomplishments of overlooked women. Her following appointments and activities would see her help organize multiple scientific projects around plant biology, including the genome of model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. She served in several professional scientific societies, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society for Cell Biology, and the Association for Women in Science, along with a number of boards for governmental science committees, particularly those involving biotechnology. Multiple awards and honorary doctorates were given to her, including three Presidential Rank Awards during three separate presidential administrations.