Born: 1924

Birthplace: Minden, Louisiana

Dorothy McClendon has been a professional microbiologist for twenty-four years. She received a Bachelor of Science in

Biology in 1948 from Tennessee A&I State University. She studies microorganisms, living things too tiny to be seen by the

naked eye, such as bacteria and fungi. Some microorganisms are harmful to the body and can cause disease by destroying cells

in the body. Others can contaminate liquids and solid materials and cause them to spoil or decay.

Ms. McClendon coordinates microbial research for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command (TACOM) in Warren,

Michigan. As a microbiologist, she develops methods to prevent microorganisms from contaminating the fuel and deteriorating

military storage material. Currently, she is developing a fungicide, a chemical which will protect storage materials and not harm

the people who use them.