Stella Chess

Stella Chess (March 1, 1914 – March 14, 2007) was an American child psychiatrist who taught at New York University (NYU). With her husband, Alexander Thomas, she undertook research into whether the temperaments of children are innate or are dependent on their nurturing. She also conducted studies on the potential links between rubella during pregnancy and autism in the child.

Early life and education The middle of three children, Chess was born in New York City to Russian immigrant parents. Her father was a lawyer and her mother was a schoolteacher. Chess graduated from the Ethical Culture School and Smith College. She then enrolled at New York University (NYU) School of Medicine in 1935, receiving her M.D. from there in 1939. While a student there, she took an elective with Lauretta Bender, which solidified her interest in child psychiatry and development. In 1966, she became an associate professor of child psychiatry at NYU, and in 1970, she became a full professor there. She continued to teach at NYU into her 90s. She also conducted studies on the potential link between rubella and autism.

Death Chess died in Manhattan on March 14, 2007. She was 93 years old. Her cause of death was pneumonia.