Rosalind Wulzen
American physiologist
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Through Physiology, Anatomy and Pituitary gland
Early life and education
Rosalind Wulzen was born in Oakland, California.
Wulzen attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with degrees in Physiology and Anatomy (B.S. 1904; M.S. 1910; Ph.D. 1914). Her master's thesis was entitled, "On the mechanism of cytolysis in paramecium," and her doctoral thesis was entitled, "The pituitary gland in its relationship to the early period of growth in birds." Wulzen was the first woman to receive a Ph.D. in Physiology at Berkeley.
As a student, Wulzen was the Secretary and President of Sigma Xu, as well as the President of Phi Beta Kappa.
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Career and research
Between receiving her bachelor's degree and beginning her master's degree, Wulzen was a science teacher at Chino High School in California from 1904-1905 and at Martinez High School in California from 1905-1906. Then, while completing her doctoral degree, Wulzen was an Assistant Professor of Biology at Mills College from 1909-1914, teaching courses on Elementary Biology, Biology Laboratory, Bacteriology, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Physiology Laboratory, Advanced Physiology, and Microscopical Techniques.
Upon graduating with her Ph.D. in 1914, Wulzen became an Instructor in the Department of Physiology at the University of California, Berkeley. She was the first female faculty member in Physiology at the university. She remained a professor here for fourteen years, teaching courses such as Introductory Biology, Experimental Biology, and Physiology.
In 1927, Wulzen became an instructor and assistant professor in the Department of Animal Biology at the University of Oregon. Here, she continued her research on the pituitary gland and also began a notable career in the field of nutrition.
Wulzen took a full-time position as an assistant professor at Oregon State University in 1933. From 1941 to 1946, Wulzen was an associate professor, taking a full year sabbatical during her first year to focus her time on research. In 1946, she was appointed to the status of full Professor. Wulzen was an academic advisor to two students within the Departments of Zoology and Chemistry: Mary Lorene Wickert (M.S. 1944) and Virginia Lee Wiemar (M.S. 1947). She was Professor Emeritus from 1947 to 1980.
Scientific contributions
Wulzen is most known for her scientific discovery and exploration of the "Anti-Stiffness Factor," which she unearthed during her time at Oregon State University. This is a fat-soluble essential nutrient which regulates phosphorus metabolism and reverses symptoms of calcification.
Honors
Wulzen received an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University of Oregon in 1943.