Muriel Robertson
1883 - 1973
Image source: University of Glasgow
Who am I?
Born in Glasgow in 1883 Muriel attended the University of Glasgow and began to study protozoa – a type of single celled organism. She speant most of her career working at the Lister institute in London but spent time in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and Uganda where she began her ground-breaking research in trypanosome infection in reptiles and mammals.
I am monumental because...
Muriel Robertson was chiefly recognised for her research on parasites, particulary Trypanosoma brucei. This microscopic parasite casues sleeping sickness in humans, a deadly disease found in sub-Saharan Africa. She was key in discovering the lifecycle of the parasite which lives between tsetsefly and mammals, including humans, cattle and horses.
Why is my work important today?
Sleeping sickness is still a big problem in certain countries and Muriel’s work advanced researcher’s understanding of the disease. It is still an active area of research in Glasgow where scientists are looking for new ways to prevent and control the disease.
Sources and thanks:
Catherine Booth, National Library of Scotland
University of Glasgow Story
Muriel Robertson’s matriculation record, 1901