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James T. Hollibaugh
Professor of Marine Sciences
Creative Research Medal 2003
James T. Hollibaugh, professor of marine sciences, has won international
acclaim for his innovative approach to the study of microbial diversity
in aquatic ecosystems. Until recently, a majority of bacteria found
in the ocean could not be studied due to their intractability to
standard culture techniques. Hollibaugh devised an alternative
approach using a molecular technique known as denaturing gradient
gel electrophoresis (DGGE) to eliminate the need to culture bacteria.
This technique has proved so effective in analyzing marine microbes
that it is now a tool used by scientists worldwide. Hollibaugh’s
work also has proved invaluable in understanding such important
biological phenomena as oceanic diversity and how microbes may
have interacted during the early evolution of life on Earth.
Source: 24th Annual Research Awards Program (2003)
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