Suzanne CorkinPATRICK GILLOOLY
Neuroscientist Suzanne Corkin, whose studies of the famous patient “H.M.” played a pivotal role in elucidating the biological mechanisms of memory, died today (May 31). She was 79.
Corkin, of MIT, was best known for her work with Henry Molaison, referred to in studies as patient “H.M.,” a man who lost the ability to form new memories after having part of his brain removed—to treat severe epilepsy—when he was 27. Corkin’s work showed that a brain region called the hippocampus is vital for long-term memory consolidation.
“Sue had incredible patience; she was absolutely meticulous,” Brenda Milner of McGill University, Corkin’s former thesis advisor, told The New York Times. “Sue was extremely disciplined. You could absolutely trust every observation she had.”
Corkin was born in Hartford, ...
