Branham, Sara Elizabeth, 1888-

Sarah Elizabeth Branham (1888-1962) received her degree in biology from Wesleyan College (Macon, GA) in 1907 and continued to earn graduate degrees in zoology and chemistry (University of Colorado, 1919), in bacteriology (PhD, University of Chicago, 1920; 1923; 1934), and her MD in 1934, also from Chicago. When she first arrived in Chicago in 1919, the aeteology of of the 19181-1919 influenza pandemic was a continuing problem, so her advisor suggested influenza for her thesis. She continued to study meningococcal viruses throughout her long career, becoming an international expert. Her brief academic career under the tutelage of Stanhope Bayne-Jones at the University of Rochester was quickly interrupted, as she was asked to join the Hygienic Laboratory's urgent work to investigate an outbreak of meningoccocus that had reached California from China. She continued her work on other influenza strains including Neisseria meningitidis and Psittacosis. Her work helped spur the introduction of bacteriology in public health, and her work foreshadowed the growth of microbiology and molecular immunology. She was considered an equal among scientists and the designation of the genus Branhamella (catarrhalis) in 1974 was a final recognition of her importance to the field.

From the description of Sara E. Branham papers, 1930-1986. (National Library of Medicine). WorldCat record id: 759561988

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