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Margaret Elizabeth Barr-Bigelow
Born (1923-04-16)April 16, 1923
Elkhorn, Manitoba
Died April 1, 2008(2008-04-01) (aged 84)
Citizenship Canada
Alma mater
Known for Study of Ascomycetes
Scientific career
Fields Mycology
Institutions University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Montreal
Doctoral advisor Lewis E. Wehmeyer
Author abbrev. (botany) M.E.Barr

Margaret Elizabeth Barr Bigelow (born 1923, died 2008) was a scientist from Canada who studied fungi. She was especially known for her work on a group of fungi called Ascomycetes. A scientist who studies fungi is called a mycologist.

About Margaret Barr Bigelow

Margaret Elizabeth Barr Bigelow was born in Elkhorn, Manitoba, Canada, on April 16, 1923. She loved to learn and studied at the University of British Columbia. She earned her first degree, a bachelor's degree, in 1950. She then completed her master's degree in 1952.

Later, she continued her studies at the University of Michigan. There, she worked with a professor named Lewis E. Wehmeyer. She earned her doctorate degree in 1956. Her special research was about a fungus called Mycosphaerella.

After finishing her studies, Margaret and her husband, Howard E. Bigelow, who was also a mycologist, looked for jobs. They spent some months collecting fungi in Maine. Soon, Margaret got a job at the University of Montreal.

In 1957, Margaret and Howard moved to the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Howard became a professor there. However, Margaret could not become a professor right away. This was because of old rules called "nepotism laws," which meant family members could not work in the same department. So, she took a different job where she did research and taught. When these laws changed, Margaret Barr Bigelow was finally able to become a professor. Margaret and Howard worked at the University of Massachusetts for 30 years.

After Howard passed away in 1987, Margaret moved to Sidney, British Columbia. She lived there until she died in 2008.

Margaret's Achievements

Margaret Barr Bigelow was a very active and respected scientist. She achieved many important things during her career:

  • In 1986, she was the main organizer for a big science conference in Amherst.
  • She received a special award in 1986 to help her research a type of fungi called Pyrenomycetes.
  • From 1976 to 1980, she was the chief editor for a science magazine called Mycologia.
  • She was the Vice President of the Mycological Society of America from 1979 to 1980. This is a group for scientists who study fungi.
  • She then became the President of the Mycological Society of America from 1981 to 1982.
  • In 1992, the Mycological Society of America honored her as a "Distinguished Mycologist." This is a very high award for a fungi scientist.

Besides the Mycological Society of America, Margaret was also a member of other important science groups. These included the American Institute of Biological Societies and the British Mycological Society. She wrote over 150 scientific papers about different types of Ascomycetes fungi. Her last paper was published in 2007.

Margaret also helped future scientists by setting up special funds. These funds help students travel to science meetings and buy important science journals. Some of these funds were named after her and her husband.

Margaret and her husband collected many different types of fungi. Most of these fungi are now kept at the New York Botanical Garden. Some of Margaret's collection can also be found at the Canada Department of Agriculture in Ottawa and the University of British Columbia.

Fungi Named After Margaret

Scientists often name new species or groups of living things after other scientists who have made important discoveries. This is a way to honor their work. Many fungi have been named after Margaret E. Barr Bigelow because of her big contributions to mycology.

Here are some of the fungi named after her:

  • Barrella Ahn & Shearer, 1995
  • Barria Z.Q.Yuan, 1994
  • Barrina A.W.Ramaley, 1997
  • Barrmaelia Rappaz, 1995
  • Margaretbarromyces Mindell, Stockey, Beard & Currah, 2007
  • Mebarria J.Reid & C.Booth, 1989
  • Bricookea barriae Shoemaker & C.E.Babc., 1989
  • Gibbera barriae L.Holm & K.Holm, 1980
  • Hysterium barrianum E.W.A.Boehm, A.N.Mill., Mugambi, Huhndorf & C.L.Schoch, 2009
  • Leptosphaeria barriae Shoemaker, 1985
  • Paraphaeosphaeria barriae Checa, 2002
  • Phaeosphaeria barriae Fallah, J.L.Crane & Shearer, 1998
  • Plagiostoma barriae Sogonov, 2008
  • Trichometasphaeria barriae Chleb., 2009
  • Wettsteinina barriae Shoemaker & C.E.Babc., 1987

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Margaret E. Barr para niños

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