Louis Pasteur: A Pioneer in the World of Science by Stephen

Louis Pasteur: A Pioneer in the World of Science by Stephen - September 2013 Scholarship Essay

          Throughout my life as a student, I have had the opportunity to read about many people who I would consider academic role models.  If I had to choose one, however, who was the most influential in my life, it would without a doubt be Louis Pasteur.          Pasteur was a French chemist who is famous for his ground-breaking work in microbiology, disease treatment, and for developing the process of pasteurization.  Knowing this, it may come as a surprise to many people that, when he was young, Pasteur actually struggled in school.  The difference between him and others who did poorly, however, was that he was determined to improve.  This is illustrated by the fact that when he applied to Ecole Normale in Paris, he passed the entrance exam, but he felt he could have done better.  Because of this, he decided to wait another year and retake the exam after studying.  Through his determination, which characterized his work, Pasteur received a Master of Science degree from the Ecole Normale.
          Pasteur’s prominence in the world of science began when he solved a problem involving crystals that no other scientist of the era had been able to solve.  He then focused his studies on fermentation.  What he found was that the process was caused not by chemicals reacting in the substance, which was the generally accepted belief at the time; rather, he discovered that fermentation was caused by tiny organisms called microbes.  Through these findings, Pasteur established microbiology as a new branch of science.  Pasteur continued his study of microbes, and in a famous experiment, proved that life could not spontaneously generate in broth.  Once he had a good knowledge of microbes, Pasteur sought to put it to practical use.  He developed the process of pasteurization, which destroyed bacteria by heating beverages and then allowing them to cool.  If he had patented this process, it certainly would have made him wealthy.  Instead, he chose to make it free to everyone.  His only reward was recognition, and having the process being named after him.  Pasteur went on to accomplish many other things, including helping the silk industry with diseased eggs, and developing vaccines for deadly diseases, including rabies and anthrax.  He was eventually awarded the Legion of Honour, the French government’s highest award.
          Pasteur’s work, though brilliant, remained controversial, because it challenged some conventional beliefs.  Many scientists did not want the theory of spontaneous generation to be disproved, as it was necessary for Darwin’s theory of evolution.  Others felt that since Pasteur was a chemist, he was not qualified to interfere with the field of medicine.  Pasteur did not let this stop him from making discoveries, though; he was not in it for recognition.
          Another trial Pasteur had to overcome was the deaths of three of his five children, his sister being left mentally disabled after a childhood disease, and even personal health issues that left him partially paralyzed.  Nothing ever seemed to slow him down, however.  In fact, these tragedies actually inspired him to try to stop diseases from killing others, which he did.  His determination through all that happened to him is his most memorable trait.
          I too am an eager student of science and chemistry, which makes Louis Pasteur’s academic achievements and scientific accomplishments even more significant and personal to me.  I also like the fact that this dedicated scientist, whose research changed the course of human history, was also a very real person with many of the same challenges I face now, as well as those I will most likely encounter in the future.  His victories are inspiring; he had a way of turning an obstacle into a pathway for new discovery, and as an opportunity to help people along the way.  This, combined with all the reasons mentioned above, is why I consider Louis Pasteur to be an outstanding academic role model.