It is easy to forget just how far science and medicine have come in the past 50 years. What many may not realize is that a pioneer of scientific advancement lives right within our own community.

Bethlehem resident Jerry Horn formerly worked as a microbiologist on a life-changing advancement: measles vaccine.

“I was there with test tubes and pipettes,” Horn says of his days as a researcher who aided in the development of the vaccine.

According to the World Health Organization, before the measles vaccine’s development, widespread epidemics occurred often and caused approximately 2.6 million deaths per year, mostly children. Measles, which notably cause respiratory issues and a rash that spreads throughout the body, was declared eradicated in the United States in 2000, so there is no longer a reasonable threat of getting the illness.

Although Horn has also worked on medications for burns, over-the-counter drugs, and radioactive injectables, he considers working on the measles vaccine project to be his “claim to fame.” Horn’s job moved him around the country, from Albany to Boston and even to California.

While measles still affect other regions of the world where the vaccine is less accessible, only one group of people in the United States still regularly falls victim to measles: unvaccinated children.

“I think that’s ridiculous,” Horn says about parents who elect not to vaccinate their children and put them at risk of getting a disease that has been largely eliminated in the United States.

As a researcher who helped pave the way for the vaccine’s implementation, Horn finds the anti-vax ideology frustrating and alarming. Although not many people get measles each year, Horn fears that this ideology could be applied to treatments and vaccines for other threatening ailments.

“I don’t know what’s gonna happen now with the coronavirus,” he says. “Are people going to use the same anti-vax beliefs?”

Now that he’ s retired, Horn spends his days pursuing photography, a passion he has held all his life. Horn has worked photographing various subjects, including weddings, notable local speakers and wildlife. He often had the opportunity to work within a dark room when this practice was popular. Throughout his life, he has had several of his photographs printed in various newspapers.

“It does my heart good,” Horn says.

While the hobby has always been an enjoyable pastime for Horn, the happiness that his photos bring to others is the key motivator for his passion.

“Happiness is a two-way street,” Horn said.