Cardy Raper's Biography

I went to college to seek knowledge, and understanding. The first experience provided both but not enough. A move from Syracuse University to the University of Chicago (SB, SM, 1946-48) and on to Harvard University (PhD, 1976) helped but never sufficed. My first profession was that of primary parent. After my beloved husband's death, I got the doctoral 'Union Card' and entered my second as independent scientist and teacher, always remaining a student. Moving from Research Associate and Instructor at Harvard, I went on to Wellesley College as Assistant Professor of Biology (1979-84), then finally to the University of Vermont as Research Track Professor (1984-94). Overall, I have authored forty scientific research papers and book chapters and received twenty grants for research on fungi with a focus on the genetics of mating and sexual reproduction. Now, as professor emerita, I've entered my third profession and written a memoir titled  "Love, Sex and Mushrooms: Adventures of a Woman in Science", a book for non scientists as well as scientists. It recounts my convoluted life balancing wifehood and motherhood with a creer in the male donimated profession of science during the twentieth century. The book is described and reviewed on my website, www.cardyraper.com.