Background
Russell, Liane Brauch was born on August 27, 1923 in Vienna, Austria. Daughter of Arthur and Clara (Starer) Brauch. came to the United States, 1941.
Russell, Liane Brauch was born on August 27, 1923 in Vienna, Austria. Daughter of Arthur and Clara (Starer) Brauch. came to the United States, 1941.
Russell completed her secondary schooling in England. After the family moved to the United States, she earned an Bachelor of Arts from Hunter College in New York and her Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology in 1945 at the University of Chicago.
Her first job was baby sitting while she studied in college. After that she worked as a receptionist in a doctor"s office after class.
Her studies in mammalian genetics provided the basis for understanding the chromosomic basis for sex determination in mammals and the effects occasioned by radiation, drugs, fuels and waste on mice. Her research allowed better understanding of genetic processes in mammals, mutagenesis and teratogenesis effects on mammals, and knowledge of how these processes can be prevented and avoided. From the age of 3 to 15, the family lived on the Wiedner Hauptstrasse, not far from the Vienna Opera.
There were frequent musical gatherings in the apartment, and the family enjoyed skiing and other outings in the Alps.
Her somewhat idyllic childhood abruptly came to an end on the evening of March 12, 1938, but her family stayed in Vienna even after the Anschluss. She moved to the United States in 1941 and became a naturalized American citizen in 1946.
She met zoologist William L. Russell during a college summer school program, where he was her mentor. Russell began her career as a research assistant at Jackson Memorial Laboratory from 1943 to 1947, and worked as a fellow at the University of Chicago.
In 1947, she moved to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she eventually became a Senior Corporate Fellow and Section Head.
She retired in 2002, but continues on guest assignment. Russell conducted genetics research focused on radiation-induced mutations. Liane served as head of the Mammalian Genetics & Development Section Between 1975 and 1995.
They expanded their research, studying the genetic effects of chemicals from drugs, fuels and waste on mice.
Her studies allowed her to move from classic genetics to molecular analysis. Russell is also a conservationist working for protection of wilderness and national lands and rivers.
In 1966 she helped to organize the Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning (TCWP). In 1976, after 10 years of activity they helped to obtain protection of the 125,000-acre Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and obtain National Wild and Scenic River designation for the Obed River.
Founder Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning, Oak Ridge, 1966, president 1967-1970, 86-87. Active numerous environmental groups. Fellow American Association for the Advancement of Science, Environmental Health Institute.
Member National Academy Sciences (elected 1986), Environmental Mutagen Society (EMs award 1993, president 1984-1985), Genetics Society American (presidential nominee 1979).
Married William Lawson Russell (deceased), September 23, 1947. Children: David Lawson, Evelyn Ruth.
