Eloise Blaine Cram facts for kids

Eloise Blaine Cram (born 1896, died 1957) was an American scientist. She was a zoologist, which means she studied animals. She was also a parasitologist, meaning she focused on tiny living things called parasites.

From 1920 to 1936, Eloise worked for the USDA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). She became a world expert on parasites that affect chickens and other birds. She eventually became the main scientist in charge of studying parasites in poultry and game birds. In 1936, Cram started working at the Zoology Lab of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

This picture shows Eloise Cram doing one of her experiments in 1930.

About Eloise Cram

Eloise Cram was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1896. Her father, Ralph Warren Cram, was a well-known newspaper man.

She was a very bright student. She graduated with high honors from the University of Chicago in 1919. She then earned her PhD degree from George Washington University in 1925.

In 1920, Cram began her career as a zoologist for the USDA's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). She quickly became famous for her knowledge of parasites in poultry. She rose to lead the team that investigated parasites in poultry and game birds.

In 1936, Cram moved to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. She worked there until she retired in 1956.

While at the NIH, Cram studied parasites that affect humans. This included pinworms and other types of parasites. Her most important work was on a disease called schistosomiasis. This disease is caused by tiny worms called liver flukes. It is common in tropical areas.

Cram made big discoveries about how snails help spread schistosomiasis to humans. This disease can be very serious. Her research helped reduce the health problems caused by this disease around the world.

By the time she retired, Cram had written over 160 scientific papers. She was an international expert on diseases caused by worms (called helminthic diseases). She worked in the NIH's lab that studied tropical diseases.

In 1955, just before she retired, she became the only woman president of the American Society of Parasitologists. People remembered Cram for her hard work and her ability to solve tough problems. She dedicated her life to studying parasites in humans and animals. She was also known for her cheerful and smart personality.

Eloise Cram passed away in San Diego, California, on February 9, 1957, after an illness. She is buried in Davenport, Iowa.

Her Research Papers

The National Agricultural Library Special Collection keeps many of Eloise Cram's papers. This collection includes her letters, photos, and scientific articles. It also has materials about other scientists who worked at the USDA and NIH.

The collection covers a long period, from 1853 to 1991. However, most of the materials are from the late 1800s through the 1950s. These papers help us learn about the important work done by these scientists.

See also

In Spanish: Eloise Blaine Cram para niños