Edwin T. Mertz
Edwin Theodore Mertz (December 6, 1909 – February 1, 1999) was an American chemist and biochemist. [1] [2] [3] Mertz was noted for co-discovery of high-lysine corn which significantly increased protein levels in corn and beans.[1][2][3]
Life and career
- 1909 born in Missoula, Montana
- 1931 B.A with a double major in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Montana
- 1933 M.S. from the University of Illinois, Urbana
- 1935 Ph.D. from the University of Illinois[2]
- 1935-1937 a research biochemist at Armour and Company in Chicago
- 1937-1938 an instructor in biochemistry at the University of Illinois
- 1937 married Mary Ellen Ruskamp
- 1938-1940 a research associate in pathology at the University of Iowa's medical school
- 1940-1943 an instructor in agricultural chemistry at the University of Missouri
- 1943-1946 a research chemist in an explosives manufacturing factory at Hercules Powder Company
- 1946-1950 an assistant professor of agricultural chemistry at Purdue University[2]
- 1950-1957 an associate professor of biochemistry at Purdue University[3]
- 1957 a professor of biochemistry at Purdue University[2]
- professor emeritus at Purdue University until his death in 1999
- 1975 elected to the National Academy of Sciences[2]
- 1999 death from complications of pneumonia
Honors and awards[2]
Mertz was a member of the National Academy of Sciences[3] and a recipient of the following awards and distinctions:
- 1987 Richard Newbury McCoy Award from Purdue University
- 1967 John Scott Award in from the City of Philadelphia
- 1968 Hoblitzelle National Award in the Agricultural Sciences (Texas)
- 1968 Congressional Medal of the Federal Land Banks in for the discovery of high-lysine corn
- 1970 Kenneth A Spencer award from the American Chemical Society
- 1972 Osborne-Mendell Award from the American Institute of Nutrition
- 1973 Distinguished Service Award from the University of Montana
- 1974 Edward W. Browning Award in for "outstanding contributions to mankind in the improvement of the food supply"
- 1975 Honorary Master Farmer Award of the Prairie Farmer Magazine "for leadership and distinguished service to American Agriculture}
- 1975 Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
- 1976 Chemical Pioneer Award from the American Institute of Chemists [4]
Purdue University has established the Edwin T. Mertz Memorial Scholarship in his name.[3]
References
- 1 2 Search for Protein Crucial In Struggle Against Hunger; Studied Protein in Corn;By JANE E. BRODY; October 11, 1974
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 National Academies Press:Biographical Memoirs:Edwin Theodore Mertz; By John E. Halver
- 1 2 3 4 5 Purdue University:Agriculture and Biochemistry;Mertz Scholarship
- ↑ "Chemical Pioneer Award". American Institute of Chemists. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
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