American microbiologist and marine biologist

Claude Ephraim ZoBell's research confirmed several behavioral characteristics of water and ocean-borne bacteria. ZoBell researched the special adhesive properties of organisms to surfaces, and experimented with mean of controlling such populations. He also was one of the pioneering scientists to study marine pollution. His work continues to be utilized by marine biologists, petroleum engineers, and the shipping industry.

ZoBell was born in Provo, Utah, but his family moved to Rigby, Idaho, when he was young. He pursued studies in biology and bacteriology at the University of California at Berkeley. By the time he was awarded his Ph.D. in 1931, he had already conducted several studies on the biochemistry of various bacteria and...