Renowned microbiologist Barbara Iglewski, a fierce advocate for women in science, has unfortunately passed away.
Barbara H. Iglewski, a distinguished microbiologist, passed away on December 10, 2023, at the age of 85. Known for her groundbreaking work on bacterial quorum sensing, Iglewski left an indelible mark on the scientific community.
After earning her PhD in microbiology from Penn State University, Iglewski began her career as an instructor at the Oregon Health & Science University. In 1986, she was recruited to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where she would go on to serve as the first female department chair and lead the department of Microbiology and Immunology for 23 years.
Iglewski's discovery that bacteria use a communication system, a type of chemical language, to coordinate attacks on human cells and initiate disease launched an entire field of study. This complex communication system, known as quorum sensing, allows bacteria to regulate gene expression based on their population density, enabling activities such as biofilm formation, virulence factor production, and symbiotic relationships.
Throughout her career, Iglewski's research focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of quorum sensing and its role in bacterial pathogenicity. While specific details about her research are not available, her work undoubtedly contributed significantly to the field.
The impact of research on bacterial quorum sensing, including Iglewski's contributions, is significant. By elucidating the mechanisms of quorum sensing, researchers can better understand how bacteria control their virulence, leading to potential targets for developing new antimicrobial therapies. Interrupting quorum sensing pathways can also reduce bacterial virulence without exerting selective pressure for antibiotic resistance, offering a novel approach to treating bacterial infections.
Quorum sensing plays a role in biofilm formation and bioremediation processes. Understanding these processes can help in managing biofilms in industrial settings and enhancing bioremediation efforts.
Under Iglewski's watch, the department of Microbiology and Immunology was like a family. She dramatically increased research funding for the department and grew the department's faculty members and trainees. Iglewski was unfailing in her honesty, saying what was on her mind and never mincing words. This direct approach, combined with her advocacy for salary equity for female scientists, made her a respected and influential figure in the scientific community.
Iglewski served as president of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) in 1987 and was the first woman from the School of Medicine and Dentistry to be inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 2015. She also served as the first female vice provost for research and graduate education at the University of Rochester from 1995 to 1998.
Iglewski is survived by her sons, Eric and Bill Iglewski, grandchildren, Ella, Isaac, Kinsie and Zack, great-granddaughter, Ariella, brother, Harland "Sandy" Hotham III, and several nieces and nephews.
Iglewski's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of microbiologists. To learn more about her specific contributions, it would be beneficial to consult scientific literature or her publications directly.
Science continues to play a crucial role in health-and-wellness, and mental-health, with research in microbiology providing valuable insights. For instance, Barbara H. Iglewski's groundbreaking discoveries about bacterial quorum sensing not only improved our understanding of womens-health but also paved the way for education-and-self-development in this field. Her direct approach and advocacy for salary equity for female scientists paved the way for personal-growth and influence in the scientific community.
