James Zetek

James Zetek
Born 1886
Died 1959 (aged 72–73)
Nationality American
Fields Entomology
Influenced Thomas E. Snyder

Dr. James Zetek (1886-1959) was an entomologist and authority on the natural history of Panama.[1]

Career

Barro Colorado Research Station, 2006

He was born Vaclav Zetek, Dec. 12, 1886 in Chicago, son of Vaclav Zetek, an immigrant from Bohemia and a stone cutter in Chicago, and his spouse Johanna Velker. James went to Panama in 1911 as an entomologist, serving for a time as professor there. Dr. Zetek was the Founding Director of the Canal Zone Biological Area (CZBA), located on Barro Colorado Island, Panama. He served as Resident Manager from 1923-1956. He died in Panama June 2, 1959, and was buried in Amador Cemetery.

Zetek's primary research interest was the study of termites and termite control.[2] USDA entomologist Thomas E. Snyder studied with him.[3]

Zetek also became an authority in other aspects of Panama's natural history. He wrote a paper on the mollusks of Panama in 1917.[1]

Zetek retired in 1956. His successor was Carl D. Koford.[4] Zetek's papers are held by the Smithsonian Institution Archives.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "SIA RU007462, Zetek, James 1886-1959, James Zetek Papers, circa 1921-1951". Smithsonian Institution Archives. Retrieved 2012-05-25.
  2. ↑ Raby, Megan (2010-09-09). "A Laboratory in the Jungle". Smithsonian Institution Archives. Retrieved 2012-05-25.
  3. ↑ "Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute". Retrieved 2012-05-25.
  4. ↑ James Zetek Retires. Smithsonian Institution Archives. 1956-05-30. p. 161. Retrieved 2012-05-25.

External links


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