January 16

Johannes Schöner was born in 1477 and became one of the pioneers of modern cartography and astronomy. He produced some of the earliest printed celestial and terrestrial globes, influencing mapmaking across Europe. Schöner studied astronomical tables and incorporated new observations to refine planetary positions. His manuscripts and globes were consulted by explorers and scholars during the Age of Discovery. He corresponded with leading scientists of his time and contributed to the development of mathematical geography. Schöner’s work laid foundations for future cartographers and navigators in the 16th century.

Born in 1653 in Basel, Brunner studied medicine at Leiden and Padua. He meticulously dissected gastrointestinal tissue and discovered the mucous-secreting glands now called Brunner's glands. His anatomical observations, published in treatises, advanced the understanding of digestive physiology. Appointed professor at the University of Padua, he educated generations of physicians in anatomy. Brunner's work laid the foundation for future research on intestinal function and pathology. He died in 1727, leaving a lasting impact on medical science.

Born in Berlin in 1875, Leonor Michaelis combined medical training with a passion for chemistry. In 1913, he formulated the Michaelis–Menten equation, a fundamental model describing enzyme reaction rates. His research laid the groundwork for modern biochemical kinetics and pharmacology. He held academic positions at universities in Germany and Switzerland before immigrating to the United States in the 1930s. At the University of California, he continued pioneering studies in clinical chemistry and enzyme mechanisms. Michaelis' equation remains a cornerstone of biochemical education and research, cementing his status as a scientific pioneer.

Homer Burton Adkins was an American organic chemist whose research focused on catalytic hydrogenation reactions. He served as a professor at the University of Illinois, where he mentored numerous students and contributed to the development of chemical education. Adkins’s work on metal catalysts laid the groundwork for modern industrial hydrogenation processes. He published extensively on reaction mechanisms and catalyst design, influencing subsequent generations of chemists. His legacy continues to impact organic synthesis and chemical engineering applications.

Nat Schachner balanced his career as a patent lawyer and chemist with a prolific writing career in science fiction magazines. His imaginative stories appeared in publications such as Amazing Stories, blending scientific knowledge with speculative narratives. Schachner collaborated with other writers to craft futuristic tales that captured the imagination of readers. He influenced the Golden Age of science fiction through his vivid world-building and inventive plots. His dual expertise lent authenticity to his futuristic visions, leaving a mark on the genre.

Born in 1919, Jerome Horwitz was a pioneering chemist and professor. In 1964, he synthesized azidothymidine (AZT) while researching anti-cancer compounds at the University of Michigan. Although initially tested for cancer, AZT later became the first drug approved to treat HIV, marking a breakthrough in antiviral therapy. Horwitz published extensively on nucleoside analogs, influencing the field of medicinal chemistry. He mentored numerous students and held academic positions throughout his career. Horwitz passed away in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in drug discovery.

Peter Hirsch, born in 1925, became one of the foremost authorities in the field of materials science. His collaborative research on dislocation theory and electron microscopy provided critical insights into the microstructure of metals and alloys. As a professor at the University of Oxford, Hirsch established a leading materials science department and supervised numerous doctoral students. He authored seminal textbooks that remain standard references in metallurgy and materials engineering. In recognition of his achievements, he was knighted in 1989 and received several international honors. Hirsch's work laid the foundation for advances in aerospace, automotive, and structural materials.

Born in Batticaloa, Ceylon, in 1929, Stanley J. Tambiah studied at the University of Ceylon and the University of Cambridge under notable scholars. His ethnographic work on Buddhist rituals and spirit cults in Thailand transformed the anthropology of religion. Tambiah held professorships at the London School of Economics and the University of Chicago, where he mentored a generation of social scientists. His seminal books, including Buddhism and the Spirit Cults in North-East Thailand, combined historical insight with rigorous fieldwork. Awarded the Balzan Prize for Social Anthropology in 2001, he bridged disciplinary boundaries and influenced research on ethnicity and ritual worldwide. Tambiah’s interdisciplinary approach remains a model for scholars today.

John Enderby was a renowned English physicist and academic celebrated for his groundbreaking work in neutron scattering. He earned his doctorate at Cambridge and spent much of his career at the University of Bristol. His research provided key insights into the structure and behavior of liquids at the atomic level. As President of the Institute of Physics from 1996 to 1998, he championed scientific education and public engagement. Enderby published extensively and mentored generations of physicists. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in recognition of his contributions. He remained active in research and advocacy until his death in 2021.

Robert L. Park was an American physicist and outspoken science advocate famous for challenging pseudoscientific claims. After earning his PhD, he served as a professor and later as Director of Public Information for the American Physical Society. Park authored several books including 'Voodoo Science' in which he warned against unfounded scientific practices. He published the weekly 'What's New' column to explain complex scientific issues to the public. Park was a vocal critic of homeopathy, anti-vaccination movements, and creationism. His clear writing and rigorous skepticism made him a respected voice in science communication. He continued to write and lecture until his passing in 2020.

Dian Fossey was an American zoologist and anthropologist who devoted her life to the study and preservation of mountain gorillas. She began her work in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in 1966, establishing the Karisoke Research Center. Fossey’s immersive field methods led to unprecedented insights into gorilla behavior and social structures. She authored the bestselling memoir 'Gorillas in the Mist,' which brought global attention to the threats facing these primates. Fossey fiercely campaigned against poaching and habitat destruction, often confrontationally defending her charges. Her dedication inspired conservation movements worldwide. Tragically, she was murdered in 1985, but her legacy endures through ongoing gorilla conservation efforts.

Jill Tarter is an American astronomer renowned for her leadership in the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). As a long-time director at the SETI Institute, she has overseen cutting-edge research programs seeking signals from intelligent life beyond Earth. Tarter's career has spanned observational astronomy, instrument development, and public outreach, inspiring many through lectures and media appearances. Her work influenced the portrayal of scientists in popular culture, notably serving as a model for the protagonist in Carl Sagan's Contact. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to science education and is a vocal advocate for encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her dedication continues to drive humanity's quest to understand our place in the universe.