Mexican biologist, particularly interested in the Cactaceae family and the study of histology, Isaac Ochoterena also undertook important roles within the Mexican education system. Born in Atlixco, Puebla, he began his studies here before attending the Escuela Normal of Tlaxcala and later the National Preparatory School with the aim of becoming a medic. Unfortunately his studies were interrupted by the death of his father and Ochoterena was forced to change his plans in order to support his family. A short while later he was allowed to sit the examination required to be a teacher of primary education and gained his qualification. Teaching in the region of Tlatlauquitepec he began to study the natural history of the region and publish his findings, the first of which was entitled "Algo de Paleontologia" (1903). His interests, however, soon turned to botany and he studied the local flora, publishing a flora of the Sierra del Puebla and collecting various herbarium specimens. From 1907 Ochoterena was based in the state of Durango and was soon named director of education for the city of Lerdo, as well as inspector of public instruction for the state. While here he collected specimens with C. Patoni and became particularly interested in xerophytic plants, the cacti specifically, publishing further works in this field.

Following his marriage in 1812 to Carmen Sarabia Castillón, Ochoterena moved to San Luis Potosí to become director of education for the state, teaching biology and natural history in the Scientific and Literary Institute and histology at the National Veterinarian Hospital; during this period he published in the field of scientific methodology and techniques. Later he worked for the Biological Studies Directorate, exploring his country's botanical and zoological diversity and when in 1929 it became the National University's Institute of Biology he was named its director. At the university Ochoterena undertook important research in the field of histology, including work on Onchocerciasis, and he is responsible for the discovery of the parasite which causes this disease, Oncocerca volvulus, which served as the basis for an eradication program. A member of numerous scientific societies both in Mexico and abroad, following his retirement in 1946 the Institute of Biology named him a researcher emeritus, honorary director and awarded him an honorary doctorate for his many important contributions in research and education.

Sources:
J. Rzedowski, G. Calderón de Rzedowski and A. Butanda, 2009, Los principales colectores de plantas activos en México entre 1700 y 1930
Colegio Nacional de México, Miembros, Isaac Ochotorena:
http://www.colegionacional.org.mx/SACSCMS/XStatic/colegionacional/template/content.aspx?se=vida&te=detallemiembro&mi=100
Enciclopedia Microsoft Encarta, Online 2009, "Isaac Ochoterena y Mendieta":
http://es.encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_961537782/Isaac_Ochoterena_y_Mendieta.html.