Axel Leonard Melander

Biographical Sketch, by Hany Abdoun, Archives Intern

Axel Leonard Melander was born on June 3, 1878, in Chicago, Illinois. After receiving his B.S. in 1901 and his M.S. in 1902 from the University of Texas, he received his Sc.D. in Entomology from Harvard in 1914. His studies focused on the development of insecticides, immunity of insects to insecticides, the control of fruit insect pests and the taxonomy of Diptera, a large group of insects having one pair of membranous wings, such as fleas and mosquitoes.

Dr. Melander served as Assistant Zoologist at the University of Texas (1900-1901), Instructor of Entomology and Assistant Entomologist (1904-1906) and Head of Entomology and Professor (1906-1926) at Washington State University. He was Head of Biology and Professor (1926-1943) and Emeritus Professor (1943-1962) at the City College of New York. He was also a Research Associate with the University of California (1934-1935).

Dr. Melander was a member of several scientific organizations including the California Academy of Sciences (beginning in 1948). He was also President of the Entomological Society of America (beginning in 1938).

Dr. Axel Leonard Melander died on August 14, 1962.

Sources Consulted:

American Men and Women of Science, 10th Edition, Volume 3, 1961.

Index Cards for the California Academy of Sciences Staff and Members.