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

## TL;DR

This paper honors Dr. Katherine T. Peter, a dedicated scientist and advocate for environmental and public health, who passed away in 2024.

## Contribution

The paper highlights her scientific legacy and contributions to water treatment and analytical tools.

## Key findings

- Kathy authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications on water treatment and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
- She received awards for her early career work and service in environmental science.
- Her work emphasized community outreach and making complex science accessible.

## 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.