Vale Margaret Anne Deighton
It is with our deep sadness that we announce the passing of Prof. Margaret Anne Deighton, a long serving fellow of The Australian Society for Microbiology (The ASM) and mentor to many others associated with The ASM. Prof. Deighton passed away on 6 November 2024, leaving behind a legacy as an inspirational microbiologist at The ASM.
Born in 1935, Prof. Deighton’s passion for science led her to The University of Melbourne, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1955. Her career began at the Bacteriology Department at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, followed by international research and clinical work experience at the Brompton Chest Hospital in London and the Toronto General Hospital in Canada. Upon returning to Australia, she joined the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Melbourne, in 1963 as a Grade 2/3 medical scientist. Her work focused on monitoring the transmission of microbial pathogens and outbreaks of infection in the newly opened RCH Parkville campus. Marg then taught microbiology to medical students at Monash University and to nursing students at the College of Nursing (later Lincoln Institute) before transitioning to academia at RMIT University. At RMIT, she established herself as a leading microbiologist and educator in Australia, built up a signature postgraduate coursework program in microbiology (Master of Biotechnology), and trained hundreds of microbiologists who are currently working in many microbiology or pathology labs in Australia or overseas. This program was the first of its kind in Australia and consisted of sub-programs in medical microbiology, food microbiology, agricultural and environmental biotechnology, and food science and technology. It also included a work experience option that enabled students to obtain microbiology experience in the workplace while studying for their degree.
As an esteemed educator, Prof. Deighton championed innovative teaching methodologies and inspired generations of students in the fields of medical, food and environmental microbiology. Her tenure at RMIT saw her rise from a lecturer to a full professor, establishing groundbreaking research in biofilm-related infections, veterinary microbiology and wastewater treatment.
Prof. Deighton’s contributions to Australian microbiology were widely recognised. She was elected as a Fellow of The ASM (FASM) in 1997 and served as a member for the Publications Standing Committee of The ASM between 1998 and 2000, and the registrar for the national examination board from 2008 to 2012. She was a dedicated researcher with numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and a mentor to many young and aspiring microbiologists. After retirement from RMIT in 2011, she remained an adjunct professor at the university and an active member and fellow for The ASM, continuing to share her vast knowledge and experience with the younger generations.
Prof. Deighton was known for her warmth, generosity and unwavering commitment to her students and colleagues. ‘I would not have stayed in microbiology research if Margaret was not there. Her lifelong passion in microbiology and attitudes towards science played a huge influence on my career development’, stated Dr Yue Qu, a former PhD student of Prof. Deighton and a current FASM. Prof. Deighton was a role model and a mentor for many senior and junior academic colleagues at her academic positions. Assoc. Prof. Taghrid Istivan stated:
I met Marg when I joined RMIT as a higher degree by research [HDR] student in the late 1990s, and although she wasn’t my direct supervisor, her advice and guidance were critical for my research project. Afterwards I enjoyed working closely with her as an early career researcher, delivering specialised lectures within the courses she coordinated, and co-supervising HDR students. Through her mentorship I achieved my goals of being an academic leader and educator at RMIT University, and will never forget her influence on my successful academic career.
According to those who worked closely with Prof. Deighton and her family members, she balanced a distinguished career with family life, demonstrating resilience and dedication in almost every aspect of her journey.
The ASM will remember Prof. Deighton as an inspiring leader, a devoted scientist, and a remarkable human being. Her legacy will continue through the countless individuals she inspired and the contributions she made to Australian microbiology and The ASM.
Kath Deighton, Taghrid Istivan, Yue Qu and Ian Macreadie
