October 27: Margaret Hutchinson Rousseau

Penicillin bioreactor — deep-tank method.

We often take note of major discoveries, like the discovery of Penicillin in 1928 by Scottish scientist Alexander Fleming, but we don’t always recognize the effort it takes to make the results of these medical advances widely available. Margaret Hutchinson was born on October 27, 1910. She received her degree in science at Rice in… Continue reading October 27: Margaret Hutchinson Rousseau

The Politics of Perplexity in Twenty-First Century America

In the context of twenty-first century America, “politics” is perhaps one of the most curiously irritating words in the English language. I know from personal experience – whether from observing others, or from paying attention to myself – that there is a visceral reflex to feel something between annoyance and disgust upon hearing the word.… Continue reading The Politics of Perplexity in Twenty-First Century America

Unprecedented?

I have to date remained silent here about the COVID-19 pandemic, because for the most part I haven’t had anything constructive to add to the discussion, and because I thought that our parents and students would probably prefer to read about something else. I also try, when possible, to discuss things that will still be… Continue reading Unprecedented?