Peter deFur
The Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology mourns the loss of Charlotte
Preston Mangum (1938-1998) who died Feb. 19, 1998 in Williamsburg, Va. She suffered a
recurrence of the cancer originally diagnosed in 1994. Charlotte was a distinguished and
loved colleague who ardently supported the society throughout her career. She served as
president of the Society; chair of the Division of Comparative Physiology and
Biochemistry; organizer of and participant in numerous symposia; member of the editorial
board for American Zoologist; and so many other ways too countless to name.
Charlotte was an internationally renowned biologist and Chancellor professor of biology
at the College of William and Mary. She was a prolific scientist and keen researcher; her
name is found throughout the literature of comparative zoology, though her primary field
of research was respiratory physiology of oxygen carrying molecules. More than 70
undergraduate and graduate students came out of Charlottes lab with a clearer
understanding of the practice of science and much more. Her students, friends and
colleagues lives were enriched by her gifts of caring, help and friendship. Many of us
will consider Charlottes greatest contribution her devotion to student learning,
education and training in comparative zoology. Her influence on comparative zoology and
the biological sciences will be felt for many years to come. She will be greatly missed.
In 1997, the College of William and Mary created the Charlotte Preston Mangum Prize, an
annual award for the most outstanding research student among graduating biology majors.
Memorial contributions are being accepted for this award at: Charlotte Preston Mangum
Prize, Department of Biology, College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23187.