Alice Catherine Evans

Alice C. Evans, National Photo Company portrait, circa 1915

Alice Catherine Evans

Alice Catherine Evans (1881-1975) was an American microbiologist known for her groundbreaking work in the field of bacteriology and public health. Evans' research on bacteria and milk safety had a significant impact on public health practices and led to important advancements in food safety regulations.

Early Life and Education

Evans was born in 1881 in Neath, Pennsylvania. She attended Cornell University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in bacteriology in 1909. She later obtained a Master of Science degree from the same institution in 1910.

Career

Evans began her career as a researcher at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she focused on studying the transmission of bacteria through milk. Her research led her to discover that the bacterium Bacillus abortus was responsible for causing undulant fever in humans, a disease transmitted through contaminated milk.

Evans' work on milk safety and the transmission of disease played a crucial role in the development of pasteurization techniques and the establishment of regulations to ensure the safety of dairy products. Her findings were instrumental in preventing the spread of diseases such as brucellosis, which can be transmitted from animals to humans through unpasteurized milk.

Legacy

Alice Catherine Evans' contributions to the field of bacteriology and public health have had a lasting impact on food safety practices. Her research laid the foundation for modern food safety regulations and continues to influence public health policies to this day.

Awards and Recognition

Evans received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the prestigious Order of the Palmetto from the state of South Carolina in recognition of her contributions to public health.