- The 5 most important Dominican biologists
- 1- Rafael María Moscoso (1874-1951)
- 2- José de Jesús Jiménez Almonte (1905-1982)
- 3- Eugenio de Jesús Marcano Fondeur (1923-2003)
- 4- Idelisa Bonelly de Calventi (1931-)
- 5- Fernando Luna Calderón (1945-2005)
- References
There are a large number of Dominican biologists who have contributed their knowledge for the development of science and for the growth of biology in the country. Biology presented these scientists with numerous challenges.
These Dominican biologists had to face problems with productive and socioeconomic sectors.
Rafael María Moscoso, Dominican biologist
With work and dedication they managed to find a balance between politics, economic interests and sustainable and environmentally friendly development.
The work of these great men and women has made the science and study of the environment spread from different branches, such as medicine, botany, marine biology and paleontology.
The 5 most important Dominican biologists
1- Rafael María Moscoso (1874-1951)
He is considered the first Dominican biologist. His studies and publications on the plants of his country have transformed him into a recognized scientist. During his life he investigated the plant diversity and characteristics of the island's environment.
He was director of the Institute of the University of Santo Domingo, which bears his name. It is also run by the National Botanical Garden of the Dominican Republic.
He was a mentor to José Jiménez Almonte, another great biologist.
2- José de Jesús Jiménez Almonte (1905-1982)
Botanist and physician. Founder of the Santiago Medical Association in 1941, of the Dominican Botanical Society of 1973 and of the Academy of Sciences of the Dominican Republic in 1974.
He was a hard worker and as the eldest son he helped support his family. He worked as a teacher of English, French and mathematics to pay for his university studies.
For more than 50 years he practiced medicine, and observed and collected specimens of the Dominican flora.
While practicing medicine, he learned a love for botany. Despite his hectic life as a doctor and strict routine, he studied botany, Latin and Greek every day from 5 to 7 in the morning.
He was also a great chess player, being a champion on several occasions. He received numerous awards and distinctions, and was a teacher and mentor to Eugenio Marcano Fondeur.
3- Eugenio de Jesús Marcano Fondeur (1923-2003)
He was a university professor and researcher. While working as an accountant, he used to take walks in the countryside.
In these walks he began to delve into the study of geology and paleontology, thanks to the environment that has geological formations from the Miocene.
He was appointed professor of botany at the Emilio Prud'homme Normal School and other secondary schools.
He continued with his excursions accompanied by other professors. In one of these, the remains of a fossil insect new to science were discovered, named Solenodon marcanoi after him.
He is considered the last naturalist in the Dominican Republic. This is because, although he had no specific training in the area of biology, he managed to make discoveries and hold important positions.
He was a founding member of the Academy of Science of the Dominican Republic. In 1983 he received the Annual Science Award. In 2003 he was awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa in Biology.
4- Idelisa Bonelly de Calventi (1931-)
He studied a postgraduate degree at New York University in marine biology and in 1962, after his return to the country, he joined the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo.
She promoted the creation of the marine biology career at the University in 1967. Later, she promoted the Center for Marine Biology Research (CIBIMA), of which she was director for 25 years.
CIBIMA supported applied sciences and created in 1980 the Experimental Station for the development of Aquaculture.
Research has always aimed at valuing marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and sea life in general.
Fishing closed seasons and recommendations for marine protected areas were established.
It also worked with international institutions to protect the humpback whale, declaring in 1986 the Banco de la Plata Humpback Whale Sanctuary as the most important area for the protection of this mammal, as well as dolphins and manatees.
He received numerous awards and accolades for his work.
5- Fernando Luna Calderón (1945-2005)
Dominican doctor, human biologist, paleopathologist and psychologist. He studied at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo and at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. He specialized in bone paleopathology and human biology.
He was visiting professor at numerous universities, including Harvard University.
References
- Academy of Sciences of the Dominican Republic. academiadecienciasrd.org
- Jiménez Olavarrieta, José de Jesús (1984). Dr. José de Jesús Jiménez Almonte: a life dedicated to science. Editor Workshop. Santo Domingo
- Brummitt, RK & Powell, CE, Authors Pl. Names (1992): 305; Chaudhri, MN, Vegter, HI & de Bary, HA, Index Herb. Coll. IL (1972): 320.
- Editor (2017) They acknowledge the contribution of biologists to the environmental and productive sector. Iberoamerican Agency for the dissemination of science. dicyt.com
- Editor (2013) Dominican biologist Idelisa Bonelly, among the 10 women who lead science in Latin America. BBC World. eldia.com.do