Edwin T. Mertz

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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. ^ a b Brody, Jane E. "Search for Protein Crucial In Struggle Against Hungert". Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g http://www.nasonline.org, National Academy of Sciences -. "Biographical Memoirs Home". www.nap.edu. Retrieved 9 August 2018. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  3. ^ a b c d e "Scholarships". Retrieved 9 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Chemical Pioneer Award". American Institute of Chemists. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
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