Latest news with #DrJohnClark
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Historic marker for first black female Indiana pharmacist
FERDINAND, Ind (WEHT) – The town of Ferdinand is celebrating its rich history by unveiling a new historical marker to Ida Hagan Whitaker, the first black female licensed pharmacist in Indiana. Whitaker grew up in the Pinkston settlement, a free black community just west of Ferdinand. After completing a pharmacy course, Whitaker earned her license in 1909 to practice in Gary, Indianapolis and Ferndinand. 'She did everything with kindness, and I think that's an important lesson to carry on today,' said Kathy Tretter. 'She did everything that she could do to make her world and this world a better place.' The town commemorated her accomplishments with a marker in front of the Wollenmann House on Main Street. Dozens gathered to celebrate, including U.S. Representative Mark Messmer, who says this is a great way to remember Whitaker, especially during a time when it wasn't easy for her. 'It just shows the interest that the people have in the history of Ferdinand and the history of the people who made this community great and the people that contributed to the society in a big way,' he said. 'It shows the broad range of support of the community overall from all over the county and all over southwest Indiana.' Ceremony speaker included Dr. John Clark from the University of South Florida's Taneja College of Pharmacy. Dr. Clark says he does not usually attend events like these, but after hearing Whitaker's story, he made the trip. 'Some of the women that have made big contributions throughout the history of pharmacy are often overlooked and overrated,' he said. 'So, I decided I wanted to be here just for that. To be inspired by everything that she's done and all her accomplishments.' Town officials say they hope the marker is not the last of its kind and hope to see more in the future. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Sarasota researcher discovers four new species of airplants in South American rainforest
The Brief Four new species of Epiphytes or airplants have been discovered in the jungles of South America. This is a discovery more than 15 years in the making that could help with the conservation and protection of the rainforest. Each new species has been named after women researchers who have dedicated their lives to science, conservation and research. SARASOTA, Fla. - It's a discovery more than 15 years in the making. Dr. John Clark, a research botanist with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, discovered four new species of airplants. They were found in the rainforest of South America. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The findings come after numerous field expeditions and research throughout the rainforests of Columbia, Ecuador and Peru. "The flowers are beautiful, some of them are red, some of them are white with red streaks. It also has these really large bracks of leaves," said Clark. The backstory Clark with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, began research 15 years ago on these species while at the University of Alabama. READ: Florida's solar boom could face federal road block if tax credit eliminated "Over the years, I figured out some of these are new to science. They are actually very different than we thought they were," he told FOX 13. After being employed with Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, he's spent the last two years identifying four new species of epiphytes or their household name, airplants. "We find new species frequently, but we often don't find four things that are similar, but very different," he said. Dig deeper He said this discovery proves the unique richness of the rainforest in South America – non-replaceable habitat for both plants and animals. MORE: Popular beers found with high levels of dangerous 'forever chemicals,' study reveals "Having the experience of seeing them in the field and utilizing the collections here at Selby Gardens, and being able to do field work, which is a big part of our mission here, and sharing the information with a broader audience, that's what made a difference," said Clark. Each was named after those who've dedicated their lives to research and conservation. They include the drymonia rominieckiae, which honors Jennifer Rominiecki, the president and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. "This is a well-deserved epithet when someone has transformed an institution like this that plays a role not just locally here in Sarasota, but a broader mission to promote plant diversity. It's well deserved," said Clark. Drymonia silvanae honors Silvana G. Nazzaro Clark, the head of school at Princeton Junior School. Drymonia katzensteiniae honors Jeanne Katzenstein, a horticulturist and life-long promoter of the taxonomic study of Gesneriaceae. Drymonia clavijoae honors Dr. Laura Vibiana Clavijo Romero, a preeminent botanist whose work has helped advance the understanding of Drymonia systematics. READ: Florida state parks gain new protections after DeSantis signs 'State Land Management' bill into law Big picture view It's science that is working to help preserve the very habitat of the rainforest, which comes under threat from logging, mining and outsiders. "It's a piece of the puzzle. We are trying to understand some of these rain forests that are critically endangered. Being able to name some of the things that make them unique. Some of the plant diversity that makes these forests unique. It helps us put together that piece of puzzle," he said. What's next Clark is back in Ecuador. Right now, he's helping build collections and identify even more species of plants. He's in a conservation area where he once volunteered as part of the Peace Corps. He said the work is vital for helping to protect the rainforest. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Kimberly Kuizon and from Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
