Mary (Molly) Joyce Marples (née Ransford; 1908 - 1998) was a microbial ecologist/medical mycologist who spent most of her career conducting research and teaching at the University of Otago in New Zealand from her appointment in 1946 until her retirement in 1967.[1][2] She is noted as an early proponent of the theory that skin provides an ecosystem that supports a diversity of microorganisms.[3]
Marples was born in Kalimpong in northern India; her parents were missionaries there.[1][2] She was educated in England and completed a degree in zoology at Somerville College, Oxford.[1]
In 1931 Molly married Brian John Marples.[1]