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Stephen Edberg Obituary
Stephen C. Edberg, Scientist who developed Test for Safe Drinking Water, Dies at 72
Stephen C. Edberg, a microbiologist whose contribution to global well-being was his development of the "Colilert" test for the detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in drinking water, died on February 20th in Middletown, CT. He was 72.
Dr. Edberg was Professor Emeritus of Laboratory Medicine at Yale University. He was the Director of Clinical Microbiology Laboratory at Yale-New Haven Hospital from 1981-2010.
Dr. Edberg received the following degrees: B.A. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, 1967, Major in Biology, Minor in Chemical Engineering; M.A. Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, 1968, Major in Bacteriology; Ph.D. State University at Buffalo Medical School, 1971; Post-doctoral, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 1972.
He received an M.A. (Honorary), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 1989. The same year he received Charles W. Bohmfalk Teaching Prize, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale University, First Award Winner.
Dr. Edberg's research activities led to tests and technologies widely used in clinical microbiology laboratories. For example, he developed constitutive enzyme testing for rapid identification of gram-negative species, the refinement of immunoglobulin coating of latex particles for the direct detection of antigens, and the use of hydrolysable substrates to rapidly identify bacterial and mycotic isolates within one hour.
His most significant contribution to global health was his development of the "Colilert" test for the detection and enumeration of Escherichia coli in drinking water. In 2008 Dr. Edberg received the Becton Dickenson (BD) Award for Research in Clinical Microbiology. This award, which has been supported by BD Diagnostic Systems for 30 years, recognizes a distinguished scientist for research accomplishments with important applications in clinical microbiology.
Dr. Edberg, a champion for safe drinking water, testified before Congress on the quality and environmental impacts of bottled water in 2008. He believed that obesity and diabetes were true public health concerns, and that drinking more water could be very beneficial to a healthier diet.
Dr. Edberg who was born in New York, NY and grew up in Bronx, NY is survived by his loving family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Edberg
Sponsored by Rachael Edberg Silverman.
Harley Waxer
July 5, 2023
Yes ... Ruby Waxer was my father. Please contact me at (416) 948-5127. Sorry about Stephen's passing>
Harley Waxer
July 5, 2023
I believe that Stephen's father Jackie King Edberg was friends with my father during the Depression. If you have any information regarding Stephen please contact me at [email protected] (Harley Waxer)
Rachael Silverman
July 4, 2023
Hi Harley Waxer, are you by chance related to Ruby Waxer? -Rachael Edberg Silverman
Harley Waxer
March 3, 2023
Was Jackie King Edberg Stephen's father?
Sheldon Campbell
April 10, 2018
Sorry for your family's loss; I worked with Steve in Microbiology at Yale.
Jim McLaughlin
April 10, 2018
Steve was a great scientist. What an amazing microbiologist. I nominated Steve for the BD Award. I do wish I had a photo of that dinner in Boston when I gave Steve that Rolex watch - from Cambodia. He was a strong supporter and advisor for my organization, the Diagnostic Microbiology Development Program, in Cambodia. I miss Steve and his humor and wisdom. I would greatly appreciate it if someone in the family would contact me at [email protected]. My deepest condolences to all of you.
pic of a friend and myself in New Orleans
July 19, 2017
To the Edberg Family: I worked w/jim2YNNH years ago.He was smart and funny and was a very kind friend when I needed one. My deepest sympathies.
Linda Heimann
S B
March 21, 2017
I am so sorry so sorry for the family's loss. May you find comfort through prayer and God's loving promise found at John 6:40.
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