Margaret Sylvia Gilliland facts for kids

Margaret Sylvia Gilliland (born September 8, 1917 – died May 18, 1990) was an important Australian biochemist. A biochemist is a scientist who studies the chemistry of living things. They look at how chemical reactions happen inside our bodies and in nature.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Sylvia Bertie was born in Grenfell, New South Wales. Her father was Robert Dugald Bertie, and her mother was Kathleen Crommelin. Her uncle, Charles Henry Bertie, was a well-known librarian and historian.

Margaret loved learning about science. She went to the University of Melbourne and earned a BSc degree in biochemistry. This degree showed she had a strong understanding of the chemical processes in living organisms.

In 1942, she married Alexander Forbes Gilliland. They had three children together.

Her Work as a Scientist

Later, Margaret Gilliland worked at the University of Queensland. She started as a demonstrator in biochemistry. This meant she helped students with their experiments and explained scientific concepts.

She continued her own studies and earned a MSc degree from the University of Queensland in 1962. The very next year, she became a lecturer. As a lecturer, she taught university students and shared her knowledge of biochemistry.

In 1969, Margaret had a special opportunity. She spent a year studying at the University of California, San Diego in the United States. She received a special grant called a graduate fellowship from the American Association of University Women to help pay for her studies there.

Making a Difference

Margaret Gilliland was not just a scientist; she also cared deeply about important issues. In 1973, she helped organize a trip to the Moruroa atoll. This was a protest against France's nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific Ocean. She believed it was important to stand up for peace and protect the environment.

In 1978, she helped create a new program at the University of Queensland. This was a special master's degree program in community health. This program taught students how to improve the health and well-being of entire communities, looking at many different aspects like medicine, social issues, and public policy. Margaret served as the director of this important program.

Later Years

Margaret Gilliland retired from the University of Queensland in 1988. She passed away in Karana Downs at the age of 72. Her work as a biochemist and her efforts to improve community health left a lasting impact.