Charles Thom Scientist

Charles Thom (November 11, 1872 – May 24, 1956) was an American microbiologist and mycologist. Born and raised in Illinois, he received his PhD from the University of Missouri, the first such degree awarded by that institution. He was best known for his work on the microbiology of dairy products and soil fungi, and in particular his research into the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. His work influenced the establishment of standards for food handling and processing in the USA. He pioneered the use of culture media to grow microorganisms, and, with food chemist James N. Currie, developed a process to mass-produce citric acid using Aspergillus. Thom played an important role in the development of penicillin in World War II.

Personal facts

Charles Thom
Birth dateNovember 11, 1872
Birth place
Minonk Illinois , United States
Date of deathMay 24, 1956
Place of death
Port Jefferson New York , United States
Residence
United States
Education
University of Missouri
Known for
Penicillium
Aspergillus
Soil microbiology

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Scientist

doctoral advisor
Howard Ayers

Charles Thom on Wikipedia

External resources

  1. http://sciweb.nybg.org/science2/libr/finding_guide/thom3.asp