Chicita F. Culberson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chicita F. Culberson
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|---|---|
| Born |
Chicita Forman
November 1, 1931 |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Duke University, University of Wisconsin University of Cincinnati |
| Spouse(s) | Bill Culberson |
| Awards | Acharius Medal |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Lichenology |
| Institutions | Duke University |
Chicita Frances Culberson, born Chicita Frances Forman on November 1, 1931, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is an American scientist. She is a lichenologist, meaning she studies lichens. Lichens are unique living things made of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium living together.
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Chicita Culberson's Education
Chicita Culberson went to college at the University of Cincinnati. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), in 1953. While there, she met Bill Culberson, who would later become her husband.
In 1954, she earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree from the University of Wisconsin. Later, in 1959, she completed her Ph.D. at Duke University. A Ph.D. is the highest degree you can get in many fields.
Her Work and Discoveries
Chicita Culberson became a botanical researcher at Duke University. She made an important breakthrough in studying lichens. She was one of the first scientists to use a method called thin-layer chromatography to identify chemicals found in lichens.
What is Thin-Layer Chromatography?
Thin-layer chromatography is a special lab technique. It helps scientists separate and identify different substances in a mixture. Think of it like sorting out different colored candies from a big bag. This method helped Chicita Culberson understand the unique chemicals lichens produce. These chemicals are called "secondary lichen products."
Awards and Recognition
In 1992, Chicita Culberson received the Acharius Medal. This is a very important award for scientists who study lichens. She was one of the first people in modern times to get this honor.
In 2000, a botanist named Theodore Esslinger named a new group of fungi after her and her husband. This group is called Culbersonia. It is a fungal genus (a group of related species) in the family Caliciaceae. Esslinger named it to honor his "longtime friends and mentors," Bill and Chicita Culberson.
In 2021, a special event honored Chicita Culberson. A symposium (a meeting where scientists discuss a topic) about lichen chemistry was dedicated to her. This happened during the 9th International Association for Lichenology conference. It was a way to celebrate her 90th birthday and her contributions to science.
Her Personal Life
Chicita Culberson was married to fellow lichenologist Bill Culberson. They were married in 1953. Bill Culberson passed away in 2003.
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