In Memoriam: The Scientific Legacy of Dr. Katherine T. Peter

Abstract

The untimely passing of Dr. Katherine T. Peter on November 4, 2024, was profoundly felt by the many scientists, colleagues, friends, mentors, and mentees whom she touched throughout her career. To everyone who knew Kathy, two things stood out: her deep love for her husband and son, Jason and Oliver Dorn, and her unwavering passion for the meticulous development of research tools for public and environmental health. Kathy obtained a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Washington University and a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa before conducting postdoctoral research at the Center for Urban Waters (University of Washington─Tacoma) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. She authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications focused on water treatment technologies, water quality characterization, and high-resolution mass spectrometry tools. Her contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the James J. Morgan Environmental Science & Technology Early Career Award and the Best Practices for Non-Targeted Analysis Outstanding Service Award. Kathy excelled as a researcher and collaborator, a skilled coordinator of multidisciplinary science, a passionate advocate for community outreach and engagement, and a gifted communicator who made complex ideas accessible─all while maintaining the life she loved as a dedicated mother, wife, quilter, and hiker.