[2] He received his bachelor of science degree in botany from the Ohio University and a masters in plant pathology at Purdue in 1962.
Among his many accomplishments, he helped pioneer techniques for defining ascomycete yeasts along multiple concepts using DNA-DNA recombination, phenotype and morphology before the advent of gene sequencing.
[1] He held several leading positions including research leader and curator within the USDA,[1] which during that time he defined many new species and genera of yeasts with which he named in honor of many of his colleagues, much to the chagrin of some taxonomists.
[4] Once genetic sequencing was possible, Kurtzman put the issue to rest showing that they do indeed share a close relationship with filamentous fungi.
His use of the D1/D2 domains of the large sub-unit of ribosomal DNA turned out to be a major breakthrough for the study of yeasts and one of his accomplishments he is best known for.
[1] Kurtzman was very active in the community at large and is fondly remembered by his colleagues for his sense of humor and willingness to entertain new ideas.