Photo of Rubye Mayette Prigmore Torrey

Rubye Mayette Prigmore Torrey

1926 - 2017
Chemistry
USA USA

Personal Information

Born: 1926

Died: 2017

Country of Birth: USA

Nationality: USA

Ethnicity: Black

Education

Tennessee State University BS 1946 & MS 1948 both in Chemistry; Syracuse University PhD Radiation-Electroanalytical Chemistry 1968

Professional Life

Field of Study: Chemistry

Institution/Corporation: Tennessee State University

Degrees & Memberships: Member: Sigma Xi American Society for the Aqdvancement of Science American Chemical Society

Awards & Achievements

Awards: none

Achievements: "Main research interests: food chemistry electroanalysis of drinking water & human head hair research ethics; established a chemistry research lab & founded ""Research Day"" at Tennessee State University; strong advocate for the advancement of student research"

Known for developing a mechanism to decompose hydrogen sulfide & for quantitative determination of incipient spoilage of fruits & vegetables indigenous to Tennessee

Her father died when she was an infant; raised by mother & grandfather who was a farmer & encouraged her interest in science

Was an advocate for the advancement of student research; established a chemical research lab & "Research Day" (now an annual week-long event) at Tennessee State University