Catherine J. Personius

Catherine J. Personius (August 5, 1904 – October 31, 1994) was an American food scientist who had a significant influence on food and nutrition research at Cornell University and herself studied the chemical properties of food products in order to understand their nutritional value. She was the first woman to serve as the coordinator of research and assistant director of the Experiment Station at Cornell.

Early life and education Personius was born in Elmira, New York. She attended Elmira College, graduating in 1925 with a degree in home economics and chemistry. She then earned her master's degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in 1928. She went on to receive her PhD in biochemistry from Cornell University in 1937.

In 1947, Personius, who was then serving as the Head of the Department of Food and Nutrition, was appointed Coordinator of Research and Assistant Director of Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, which is part of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She was the first woman at Cornell to told this position and she is credited with helping to developing Cornell’s Department of Food and Nutrition.