Sandra Claxton
Sandra Kaye Siebels Claxton (1945–2023) was an Australian zoologist notable for her contributions to the study of tardigrades, microscopic organisms.[1]
Diphascon claxtonae, a species of tardigrade, is named for her.[2]
Early life and education
Claxton was born in Sydney and raised in Wagga Wagga.[3] She obtained a biology certificate from Sydney Technical College and a BSc in botany and zoology from University of Sydney.[3]
Following the birth of her son in 1972, Claxton was diagnosed with severe rheumatoid arthritis, which significantly impacted her mobility and required numerous medical interventions.[3] Despite these challenges, she pursued further education, earning a second BSc in palaeontology and an MSc, followed by a PhD from Macquarie University.[3] Her PhD thesis, completed in 2004, was recognized with the Vice-Chancellor's Commendation for exceptional merit at Macquarie University.[3]
Career
Her early career involved work at the NSW Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Research Station in Glenfield.[3]
Claxton focused her research on Australian terrestrial tardigrades, a subject previously little-explored.[3] She adapted her work methods to accommodate her physical limitations, including setting up a home laboratory.[3] Her academic work resulted in the identification of over 70 new tardigrade species and notable contributions to the taxonomy of the genus Minibiotus.[3]
Research
Her research into tardigrades, often known as water bears, was conducted amidst frequent health-related interruptions, including hospitalizations and surgeries. Despite visual impairment caused by a medication side effect and her ongoing struggle with arthritis, Claxton continued her research.[3] Her 2013 review of terrestrial and marine tardigrades, co-authored with Reinhardt Kristensen, remains an influential reference in tardigrade studies.[3]
References
- ^ Claxton, Sandra K. (October 7, 1998). "A revision of the genus Minibiotus (Tardigrada: Macrobiotidae) with descriptions of eleven new species from Australia". Records of the Australian Museum. 50 (2): 125–160. doi:10.3853/j.0067-1975.50.1998.1276 – via journals.australian.museum.
- ^ Pilato, Giovanni; Binda, Maria Grazia (January 1998). "Two new species of Diphascon (Eutardigrada) from New South Wales, Australia". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 25 (2): 171–174. doi:10.1080/03014223.1998.9518147.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Webster, Leigh Schwartzkoff & Arthur (October 25, 2023). "The Australian who revolutionised science despite painful illness". The Sydney Morning Herald.
