Emile F. Pernot Distinguished Professor in Microbiology

The Emile F. Pernot Distinguished Professorship in Microbiology was established with a gift from the estate of Mabel Pernot, who died in 1991. Mabel was the daughter of Emile Pernot, who helped establish OSU's microbiology department a century before.

Mabel Pernot was born in 1900 and, except for a brief period, lived her entire life in Corvallis.

When her father was hired by Oregon State in 1890, he was the university's first bacteriologist and photographer. His studies ranged from plant diseases to dentistry and medicine to the effect of microorganisms on food preservation. His work in poultry diseases led him to be known as the "father of avian tuberculosis."

Mabel Pernot's grandfather, George Coote, also played an important role in OSU's history: he was the university's first professor of horticulture and was responsible for many of the plantings that grace the older part of the campus today.

The Emile F. Pernot Distinguished Professorship in Microbiology is awarded to an OSU professor who is recognized as a distinguished contributor to the microbiological science, has a documented record of contributions, and will continue to make contributions to the education and research missions of the university. The award includes funds to be used by the recipient's research program and in support of the Department of Microbiology.

Current Faculty Holder

Rebecca Vega Thurber