Don Bacon (microbiologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Bacon
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
Donald Frederick Bacon
6 April 1926 Gisborne, New Zealand
|
| Died | 28 August 2020 (aged 94) Palmerston North, New Zealand
|
| Alma mater | Yale University |
| Spouse(s) |
Florence Zoe Thanassi
(died 2010) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Microbiology |
| Institutions | University of Otago Massey University |
| Thesis | Studies of mutational processes in bacteria (1958) |
Donald Frederick Bacon (born April 6, 1926 – died August 28, 2020) was a smart scientist from New Zealand. He studied tiny living things called microbes. In 1966, he became the very first professor of microbiology at Massey University. He worked there until he retired in 1989.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Don Bacon was born in Gisborne, New Zealand, on April 6, 1926. He went to Gisborne Boys' High School. After high school, in 1944, he started training to be a medical laboratory technician. This job involves doing tests in a hospital lab.
Studying at University
In 1947, Don began studying at the University of Otago. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. Later, in 1954, he completed his Master of Science degree with top honors. From 1951, he also worked as a teacher's assistant at the university. He helped teach students about microbiology.
Research in the Pacific
During his summer breaks from 1951 to 1955, Don joined health research teams. These teams were funded by the Medical Research Council. They traveled to places like Niue and Samoa to study health issues.
Advanced Studies in the United States
Don Bacon received a special scholarship called a Fulbright Scholarship. This allowed him to study for his PhD at Yale University in the United States. He finished his PhD in 1958. His research focused on how bacteria change, especially a common type called Escherichia coli. While at Yale, he met Flo Thanassi, who later became his wife.
Career at Massey University
After finishing his studies, Don Bacon returned to the University of Otago. He continued his teaching and research there. In 1966, he moved to Palmerston North to work at Massey University. He was appointed the first-ever professor of microbiology there. He also became the head of the Department of Microbiology and Genetics.
Research on Bacteria
At Massey University, Don continued his important research. He studied the genetics of E. coli and tiny viruses that infect bacteria, called bacteriophages. He kept up this research until he retired in 1989. When he retired, he was given the special title of professor emeritus. This title is given to professors who have retired but still have a strong connection to their university.
Later Life
Don Bacon's wife, Flo, passed away in 2010. Don Bacon himself died in Palmerston North on August 28, 2020. He was 94 years old.
