E.M. East, born Duquorn, Illinois, October 4,1879, graduated University of Illinois in 1900. He first became assistant chemist (1900-1903), then assistant plant breeder in the Illinois Experiment Station (1903-1905). He obtained his Ph.D. in 1907. He was agronomist at the Connecticut Station for four years (1905-1909), then in 1909 went to Harvard University as assistant professor of genetics and continued in this position until his death (November 9, 1938). Besides numerous articles, he wrote three books—the first, with D.F. Jones, Inbreed ing and Outbreeding
in 1919, was his most important to plant breeders. Dr. East's research was of great practical value, for his studies of inbreeding, hybrid vigor, selection, and self-sterility were basic. He was especially interested in proving that quantitative inheritance was also true Mendelian inheritance. He was known as "a careful worker, keen thinker, a scholarly writer and able lecturer," "a wise counselor and friend," and a great teacher.
Photo by Andre Snow