Catherine Raisin

Catherine Alice Raisin (24 April 1855 – 13 July 1945) was one of the most important early female geologists in Britain. Her research was primarily in the field of microscope petrology and mineralogy. She was the head of the geology department at Bedford College for Women in London for 30 years, and strove for women's equality in education. She was also the head of the botany department at the Bedford College for Women.

Early life and education Catherine Raisin was born on 24 April 1855, in Camden, New Town, London, England. She was the youngest child and only daughter of Daniel Francis Raisin and Sarah Catherine Woodgate. Catherine had three older brothers, and her mother was 45 years old when she was born. Her father was employed at the Inner Temple as a pannierman. Raisin accepted an offer of the post of Vice Principal of the college in 1898, but resigned in 1901 due to the high work load. The following year Raisin was elected a fellow of University College. She was also a member of the Geologists' Association for 67 years, one of the longest serving members. In 1887, her first paper was read to the Geological Society of London by T.G. Bonney, since women were not allowed to present papers back then. She was seen as a leading expert on metamorphic facies; the characteristic mineral assemblages form under similar temperatures and pressures.

Career research Throughout her research, Catherine Raisin has worked on various projects pertaining to petrology and mineralogy. Upon her research, she focused on:

The study of rocks in the Ardennes and region of Whales, analyzing the stratigraphy of rocks from the geological time scale of the Cambrian and Devonian periods. Raisin focused on rock formations as a result of slaty cleavage and over-thrust faults and foldings Research on the analysis of metamorphism pertaining to rocks in South Devon, England which resulted in findings of two distinct rock compositions (slaty cleavage and metamorphism) between South Devon and the adjacent regions The study of the microstructure and crystallization of chert found in England and the United Kingdom. Raisin focused on the microscopic composition of chert using the composition as an index fossil to determine whether chert originated during or after the Jurassic period Research and analysis of serpentinite, formerly serpentine in Anglesey, Wales

Women's equality Catherine Raisin served as a role model for research, teaching and administration throughout the last decade of the nineteenth century and the first two decades of the twentieth. Furthering her career, she worked at Bedford College in England to become the first female professor in the Science Department, and furthermore, the first woman to lead as the head of the Geology Department in 1890. After retiring, Raisin again worked with women's groups.

She was a testament to the work and research a woman could accomplish in a male-dominated profession. Catherine Raisin died on 13 July 1945 at the age of 90 from cancer in Cheltenham, England. She was buried on 17 July 1945.