Agnes J. Quirk | |
---|---|
Born | 1884 |
Died | 1974 |
Occupation(s) | bacteriologist, plant pathologist, inventor |
Agnes J. Quirk (1884–1974) was an American bacteriologist, plant pathologist, and inventor.[1] She oversaw the culturing of bacteria in the Laboratory of Plant Pathology at the United States Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry.[2] She received a patent[3] for the production of penicillin mold and jelly in 1952.[4]
Hired by B.T. Galloway, who headed the Laboratory of Plant Pathology at the USDA's Bureau of Plant Industry. There, in 1901, she became an assistant to pathologist-in-charge Erwin Frink Smith, who was "proud of his record of appointing women to work at the department."[4][5][6]
Quirk's research focused on crown gall oxidation phenomena and culture mediums used in pathogenic analyses, working alongside Nellie A. Brown.[5] Her original job titles at the laboratory consisted of "laboratory aide" and "scientific assistant".[7] While a lab assistant, Quirk had three of her own assistants who helped her prepare growth media.[8] She also invented a new apparatus to help measure amounts of media more accurately and without funnels.[8]
In 1923, she worked with Edna H. Fawcett to publish a paper concerning the hydrogen-ion concentration in culture mediums. Their joint research considered "the approximate ranges of growth (acid-alkaline) of more than 24 bacteria pathogenic to plants."[4]
From 1928 to 1948, Quirk was the head of the laboratory.[9] At the Symposium on Bacterial Dissociation and Life Cycles of the Society of American Bacteriologists, Quirk presented "A Five-fold Technic for Producing the Filterable Form of Bacillus phytophthorus," showcasing her skills in bacteriology.[10] As a bacteriologist with experience, Quirk would share out different culturing techniques, like a formula for potato agar and a novel growth medium.[11]