Harold Cummins
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- University of Michigan
- Tulane University
Harold Cummins | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 28, 1893 |
| Died | May 12, 1976 (aged 82) |
| Alma mater |
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| Known for | |
| Spouse | Elizabeth Van Buskirk |
| Children | 3 |
Harold Cummins (May 28, 1893 – May 12, 1976)[1][2][3] was an anatomist and dermatoglyphics specialist. He is considered to be the founder of dermatoglyphics.[4][5][6][7]
A native of Markleville, Indiana,[1][2] Cummins attended the University of Michigan, receiving his BA in 1916.[5] While attending the University of Michigan, he was inducted into two academic honor societies: Sigma Xi and Phi Beta Kappa.[5][8][9] Cummins completed his PhD in anatomy at Tulane University in 1925.[5][10]
Career
In his multiple positions as an educator, Cummins taught over 5000 students.[11] Cummins worked at Vanderbilt University as a Histology instructor (1916-1917)[12] and as an assistant professor of Microscopic Anatomy from 1917 through 1919.[13][14] In 1919, Cummins joined the faculty at Tulane University where he remained for the rest of his educational career, nearly five decades, serving in a variety of positions.[11] His positions at Tulane University included:
- Chairman of the Department of Anatomy (1933–1960)[10][15]
- Chairman of the Department of Microscopic Anatomy (1933–1945)[10][15]
- Assistant dean at Tulane University School of Medicine (1949-1964)[11][5]
- Chair of Tulane University School of Medicine admissions (1949-1964)[5]
- Professor emeritus of Anatomy (1964)[4][5]
Cummins also held positions at a number of journals and associated organizations including:
- American Journal of Human Genetics editorial board (Advisory editorial committee) (1949-1955)[16][17][18]
- Vice President of the American Society of Human Genetics (1955)[17]
- 38th President of the American Association of Anatomists (1961-1962)[19][20][5]
In 1926, Cummins coined the term dermatoglyphics.[21]
Professional affiliations
- American Association of Physical Anthropologists[5]
- International Association for Identification[5]
- Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine[5]
- American Association for the Advancement of Science[5]
- Louisiana State Medical Society (honorary member)[5]
