A new scholarship fund has been established to honor a pioneering neuroanatomist from Petersburg.
The Dr. Elizabeth C. Crosby Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was created by Dr. Scott M. Burns in tribute to his mentor, according to a community announcement.
The fund will provide scholarships to Monroe County residents graduating from Summerfield High School who pursue any form of post-secondary education. It is open to traditional students, part-time students and adult learners.
Dr. Crosby, a Petersburg native, is considered one of the most influential comparative neuroanatomists of the 20th century. After earning her Master of Science in 1912, she began a fellowship in anatomy and graduated magna cum laude with her Ph.D. in 1915.
Her dissertation on the forebrain of the alligator, published in 1917 in the Journal of Comparative Neurology, was considered groundbreaking. At a time when scientists debated how the cerebral cortex evolved, Crosby’s research demonstrated for the first time that reptiles possess a form of cortex similar to mammals, offering direct evidence in support of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Over the course of her career, Crosby became recognized worldwide as an authority on the central nervous system. Her work bridged pure anatomy, experimental research and clinical application, making her contributions invaluable to the fields of neurology and neurosurgery.
Burns, who studied under Crosby and is currently writing a biography of her life and work, said the scholarship represents a deeply personal tribute.
“She was my mentor,” Burns said in the announcement. “She did what she was told was impossible, and she did it with distinction. This fund ensures that her legacy will inspire future generations from her hometown to pursue their own paths of learning and discovery.”
Crosby expressed deep gratitude for her roots when she was honored in her hometown with the unveiling of her portrait at Summerfield High School.
“No recognition is ever more highly valued than that from your own home town. Some of the happiest and most worthwhile days of my life were spent in Petersburg. The training I received in its school and the experience I acquired in teaching there have been valuable assets all of my professional life. I owe much to Petersburg.”
To learn more about the many scholarships the Community Foundation of Monroe County administers for Monroe County students and adults, visit cfmonroe.org/students.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
