Elizabeth McCoy (microbiologist), Date of Birth, Date of Death

Elizabeth McCoy (microbiologist)

microbiologist

Date of Birth: 01-Feb-1903

Date of Death: 24-Mar-1978

Profession: microbiologist

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Elizabeth McCoy (February 1, 1903 – March 24, 1978) was an American microbiologist and a professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. McCoy was born in Madison, Wisconsin.
Her parents, Esther Williamson and Cassis James McCoy, were both college educated.
Her mother was a professor and then an active practicing nurse for six years.
McCoy's mother taught her basic microbiology and about respiratory diseases.
Her father was a professor at the college but for health reasons had to retire.
While growing up, McCoy was already interested in microbiology. McCoy received her Ph.D.
from the University of Wisconsin in 1929.
She joined the school's faculty after earning her degree and was one of the first women to become a full professor there.
Her research included significant contributions in multiple areas within microbiology, and she became one of the first prominent women within the field.
While working on a government project during World War II, McCoy discovered a penicillin strain which led to the drug's widespread commercial usage.
McCoy also developed the antibiotic oligomycin; while the drug never became a useful treatment for disease, it is still used in research.
McCoy's other research included work in soil microbiology, the microbiology of water bodies, and botulism.McCoy's house in Fitchburg, where she lived from 1949 until her death, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.