Ruth Benerito (Scientist)

Born in New Orleans in 1916, Ruth Benerito studied at Sophie Newcomb College, the women’s college of Tulane University, earning a B.S. in chemistry in 1935.  She received her M.S. from Tulane in 1938, and her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1948. 

During the second world war, Benerito developed an intravenous fat emulsion that could be used for intravenous feeding, contributing to the care of long-term medical patients. 

In 1953 she patented the method to produce wrinkle free cotton, probably saving the American cotton industry. Throughout her career, she has received over 55 patents and many honors, including the Garvan Medal from the American Chemical Society and the Lemelson-MIT Lifetime Achievement Award.

After her retirement from research with the United States Agricultural Dept., she continued teaching Chemistry until the age of 81.

Related Links:
Wikipedia
Chicago Tribune: Ruth Benerito 100% Cotton Queen.