October 24, 1975

Dr. John Pryer

Department of Microbiology
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97331

Dear Dr. Fryer,

I was interested to learn you are considering Fugene Nester as Chairman
of Microbiology at Oregon State University in Co Ss.

Eugene Nester was a postdoctoral fellow in my Lab from September 1961 to
August 1962. He did pioneering work on linkage and other aspects of molecular
genetics of B. subtilis, and has maintained a role of high productivity in
this field ever since.

I would characterize his work as insightful, efficient and well organized
rather than displaying the utmost of artistic creativity. His work is well
regarded as showing a high order of caregul planning and execution.

These, generally, are just the attributes one seeks in a department head in
a well established field. He is personally responsible, considerate and very
well liked. He is bound to be respected as a leader of an organization rather
than of a achool of thought. As I knew him he had a rather broad scientific
culture, and he should relate well to all aspects of his role at Oregon.

His work on the biochemical genetics of aromatic metabolism in B. subtilis
has been solid and useful, and his new work on crown gall shows © every sign

of innovative and productive insight.

I have, of course, no direct experience of him as a professional colleague in
school affairs, but he does have a deep loyalty to microbiology as an important
discipline with many ramifications for human affairs. I think you will find

him tough and stubborn on the right issues, but always fair-minded and temperate.

I think he would do a first rate job as Chairman at the Oregon State University.
All things considered, I cannot think of any obviously more qualified candidate
in this range of age and experience, which it is most appropriate you should now tap.

Sincerely yours,