Cathryn Mittelheuser

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Cathryn Jean Mittelheuser AM (born 1932) is a retired Australian botanist. [1]

Contents

Early life

Mittelheuser grew up with her older sister Margaret Mittelheuser on their parents' sugarcane farm near Bundaberg, Queensland. [1] Graduating from Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 1949, Mittelheuser then studied at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, graduating with a Bachelor of Science and a University Medal in 1968. [2] [1]

Following her graduation, Mittelheuser completed a PhD in Biological Sciences in 1971 before working in the university's botany department where she was a senior research fellow from 1971 until 1976 and acting lecturer in third year cell physiology in 1975 and 1976. [2] From 1971 until 1976, Mittelheuser was a postdoctoral researcher after being awarded a postdoctoral fellowship from the CSIRO. [2]

Career

Mittelheuser's work has been published in thirteen scientific books and journals, including a widely cited article about her discovery of a substance that assists plants retain water which was published in Nature in 1969. [2] [1] Despite being regarded as a pioneer in her field, she left research in 1976 after encountering sexism and becoming frustrated by less-qualified male researchers being considered for career progression ahead of her. [1]

As a philanthropist, Mittelheuser has made considerable contributions to the University of Queensland, Griffith University, and Brisbane Girls Grammar School. [1]

Known also for her involvement in the arts field, Mittelheuser has also made significant contributions to the Queensland Art Gallery and the University of Queensland Art Museum. [1] She also served as chairperson of the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society. [1] [2]

Mittelheuser is also known for her involvement with the Lyceum Club where she served three consecutive terms as president from 1989 to 1992. [3] She also served as vice-president of the International Association of Lyceum Clubs. [2]

Recognition

In 1998, Mittelheuser received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Queensland in honour of her contribution to the university and to the community. [4]

For her service to women, especially with the Lyceum Club, Mittelheuser was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the 1999 Australia Day Honours. [5] In 2001, Mittelheuser was awarded the Centenary Medal for distinguished service to both the Arts and the Lyceum Club. [6]

From 18 July 2020 until 31 January 2021, the Queensland Art Gallery held an exhibition called "Two sisters: A singular vision" showcasing over 100 works that the Mittelheuser sisters had acquired for the gallery over a 35 year period, particularly works by female Indigenous Australian artists. [7]

Mittelheuser is also the benefactor behind the Mittelheuser Scholar-in-Residence at the State Library of Queensland, a research project which aims to advance the knowledge of professionals in the gallery, library, art and museum fields by awarding a $15,000 bursary each year to a successful applicant. [8] [9]

In 2021, Mittelheuser and her sister were named as Queensland Greats. [10]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Hilevuo, Alysha (11 December 2018). "Trailblazing sister act celebrated". Contact Magazine. University of Queensland . Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Brisbane Girls Grammar School's most outstanding former students: Dr Cathryn Mittelheuser". The Courier-Mail . News Corp Australia. 7 November 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  3. ↑ "Club presidents". Lyceum Brisbane . Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  4. ↑ "Distinguished Queenslanders awarded honorary degrees". UQ News. University of Queensland. 2 December 1998. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  5. ↑ "Award Extract: 872328". It's an Honour . Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 26 January 1999. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  6. ↑ "Award Extract: 1118196". It's an Honour. Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 1 January 2001. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  7. ↑ "Past exhibitions: Two sisters, a singular vision - celebrating the gifts of Margaret and Cathryn Mittelheuser". Queensland Gallery of Modern Art . Queensland Government. 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  8. ↑ "Research and Learning: Mittelheuser Scholar-in-Residence". State Library of Queensland . Queensland Government. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  9. ↑ "Mittelheuser Scholar-in-Residence: About the award". State Library of Queensland. Queensland Government. 2021. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  10. ↑ "2021 Queensland Greats recipients". Queensland Greats Awards . Queensland Government. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
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