Edwin Theodore Mertz (December 6, 1909 – February 1, 1999) was an American chemist and biochemist.^{[1] [2] [3]} Mertz was noted for co-discovery of high-lysine corn which significantly increased protein levels in corn and beans.^[1][2][3]

Life and career

• 1909 born in Missoula, Montana
• 1931 B.A with a double major in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Montana
• 1933 M.S. from the University of Illinois, Urbana
• 1935 Ph.D. from the University of Illinois^[2]
• 1935-1937 a research biochemist at Armour and Company in Chicago
• 1937-1938 an instructor in biochemistry at the University of Illinois
• 1937 married Mary Ellen Ruskamp
• 1938-1940 a research associate in pathology at the University of Iowa's medical school
• 1940-1943 an instructor in agricultural chemistry at the University of Missouri
• 1943-1946 a research chemist in an explosives manufacturing factory at Hercules Powder Company
• 1946-1950 an assistant professor of agricultural chemistry at Purdue University^[2]
• 1950-1957 an associate professor of biochemistry at Purdue University^[3]
• 1957 a professor of biochemistry at Purdue University^[2]
• professor emeritus at Purdue University until his death in 1999
• 1975 elected to the National Academy of Sciences^[2]
• 1999 death from complications of pneumonia

Honors and awards

Mertz was a member of the National Academy of Sciences^[3] and a recipient of the following awards and distinctions:^[2]

• 1987 Richard Newbury McCoy Award from Purdue University
• 1967 John Scott Award in from the City of Philadelphia
• 1968 Hoblitzelle National Award in the Agricultural Sciences (Texas)
• 1968 Congressional Medal of the Federal Land Banks in for the discovery of high-lysine corn
• 1970 Kenneth A Spencer award from the American Chemical Society
• 1972 Osborne-Mendell Award from the American Institute of Nutrition
• 1973 Distinguished Service Award from the University of Montana
• 1974 Edward W. Browning Award in for "outstanding contributions to mankind in the improvement of the food supply"
• 1975 Honorary Master Farmer Award of the Prairie Farmer Magazine "for leadership and distinguished service to American Agriculture"
• 1975 Elected to the National Academy of Sciences
• 1976 Chemical Pioneer Award from the American Institute of Chemists^[4]

Purdue University has established the Edwin T. Mertz Memorial Scholarship in his name.^[3]