Audrey Cahn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Audrey Cahn
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| Born |
Audrey Josephine Cahn
17 October 1905 Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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| Died | 1 April 2008 (aged 102) |
| Education | University of Melbourne |
| Occupation | Microbiologist, nutritionalist |
Audrey Josephine Cahn (17 October 1905 – 1 April 2008) was an Australian microbiologist and nutritionist. She was a pioneering expert in food science and healthy eating.
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About Audrey Cahn
Audrey Cahn was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1905. Her birth name was Audrey Josephine Osborne. Her father, William Alexander Osborne, was a professor. Her mother, Ethel Elizabeth Goodson, was a medical expert. Audrey grew up near the University of Melbourne.
Education and Early Career
Audrey studied at the University of Melbourne. In 1929, she earned a degree in Agricultural Science. Later, she also received a diploma in dietetics. This field focuses on how food affects health.
Her first job was at Kraft. She worked there as a microbiologist and food analyst. A microbiologist studies tiny living things like bacteria. A food analyst checks food for safety and quality. In 1930, she married Leslie Cahn.
Working in Hospitals
Audrey Cahn became a chief dietician at several hospitals. She worked at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne. She also worked for the Victorian Mental Hygiene Department. Later, she moved to the Royal Perth Hospital.
During World War II, Audrey played an important role. She joined the Australian Army Medical Women's Service. She became the chief dietician at the Heidelberg Military Hospital. She helped make sure soldiers received proper nutrition. By the time she left the army in 1946, she had reached the rank of Major.
Teaching and Research
After the war, Audrey Cahn returned to the University of Melbourne. From 1947 to 1959, she taught dietetics. She became a senior lecturer in 1959. She taught nutrition and applied dietetics until she retired in 1968. She spent 21 years teaching at the university.
Audrey was a founding member of the Dietetics Association. She was one of the first experts to suggest eating less fat. She also recommended replacing unhealthy fats with healthier ones.
She helped with a long-term study on child growth in Melbourne. This study took place from 1954 to 1971. It allowed experts to compare how Australian children grew. They could compare them to children in Britain and the United States.
Legacy
Audrey Cahn lived to be 102 years old. She passed away in Canberra in 2008.
To honor her contributions, a street in Canberra was named after her. It is called Audrey Cahn Street. It is located in the suburb of Macgregor.
