Harden McConnell is known for his innovative work dealing with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). He created his namesake equation, the McConnell Relation, in the late 1950s; the equation has proved beneficial in studying atomic and molecular structure. He also introduced the technique of spin labeling that has aided scientists in identifying the motion and location of molecules, and he has used the procedure to research several subjects including the relationship of antibodies and antigens in immune systems. His more recent work has used silicone technology to detect changes within human cells.

Harden Marsden McConnell was born to George and Frances (Coffee) McConnell in Richmond, Virginia, on July 18, 1927. He attended George Washington University, where he majored in chemistry and minored in mathematics. After receiving his B.S. degree in 1947, McConnell enrolled at the California Institute of Technology where he earned a Ph.D. in chemistry, with a minor in...