Charlie Tarjan
Dr. A. C. (Charlie)
Tarjan, Professor Emeritus, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL. Charlie, who was 89 years old, passed
away 25 January 2009. He had an unparalleled commitment to our science making
numerous contributions to nematode taxonomy, marine nematology, nematode
diseases of citrus, and many other aspects of nematology. He spent the early
part of his career at the UF Citrus Experimental Station, Lake Alfred, FL
but later moved to the Gainesville Campus in order to have more contact with
graduate students and involvement with the UF nematology teaching program.
Charlie was among the leaders involved with the founding of the Society of
Nematologists and the Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America. He was
a charter member of ONTA, presided as the first president in 1968, and aided
with the launch of Nematropica in 1971. Charlie also was an active member of
the European Society of Nematologists (ESN). He attended numerous meetings of
ESN, energizing debates on nematode taxonomy and other topics. Charlie was a
promoter of Internationalism in Nematology and played a major role in the
organization of the First International Nematology Congress held by ESN, ONTA
and SON in Guelph, Canada,
in 1984. He was elected as an Honorary Member of SON in 1985 and of ONTA in
1989, and Fellow of the European Society of Nematologists in 1986. He truly
enjoyed scientific relationships with international nematologists and became
engaged with scientists particularly in Central and South
America, and European and African countries. He spent sabbatical
leaves in Central America where he worked with
tropical nematode problems. He will always be remembered in the nematology
community for inspiring us with his engaging personality, teaching abilities,
inquisitive mind, scientific expertise, and dedication to the development of
nematology.
From Society of Nematologists announcement, submitted by
Renato Inserra, Don Dickson, and Grover Smart, Jr.
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