Mary Stuart MacDougall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Stuart MacDougall
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| Born | 1885 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Biologist |
Mary Stuart MacDougall (born 7 November 1885, died 1972) was an American biologist. She was a scientist who studied tiny living things called protozoa. She also wrote a book called Biology: The Science of Life.
Becoming a Scientist
Mary Stuart MacDougall went to college and earned several important degrees. She received her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Randolph–Macon College in 1912. Later, she earned her Master of Science from the University of Chicago. Finally, she completed her Ph.D. (a very high university degree) from Columbia University in 1925.
In 1920, Dr. MacDougall became the head of the biology department at Agnes Scott College. She worked there for many years, teaching and leading the department, until she retired in 1952. For 14 summers, she also taught and did research at the Marine Biological Laboratory. This shows she was very dedicated to her work!
Her Research and Discoveries
While working at Agnes Scott College, Dr. MacDougall focused her studies on protozoology and cytology. Protozoology is the study of tiny, single-celled organisms called protozoa. Cytology is the study of cells, which are the basic building blocks of all living things.
She carefully studied a type of protozoan called chilodonella uncinata. She looked at how these tiny creatures inherited traits and how their chromosomes worked. Chromosomes are like tiny packages inside cells that contain all the instructions for an organism.
Dr. MacDougall also researched the chromosomes of plasmodium, which are the parasites that cause avian malaria (a type of malaria that affects birds). Her work helped scientists understand more about these important tiny organisms.
Awards and Recognition
Mary Stuart MacDougall was recognized for her important scientific work.
- She received a special award called the Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship in 1931. This fellowship helps scientists and artists continue their important research and creative projects.
