File f68 - Nobles, Mildred Katherine

File consists of a recording of Mildred Nobles. Topics of the conversation include influence of Saskatchewan high school teachers (graduates of Queen's) in subject's decision to attend Queen's; Queen's extramural programme as sole viable study option. Avid reading habits as only child, prone to sickness, in Regina; ambition to learn. Three-year spell teaching out west combined with winter correspondence courses, summer attendance at Queen's; two years' full-time study and residence in Kingston. Detour of bats through Ban Righ Hall before installation of screened windows. Intense study habits of mature summer students. Meal-time formality in residence. Slight acquaintance with graduate Dr. Christine Rice, paucity of other women students entering her field. Employment with field pathologist, Ottawa; application for PhD programme motivated by job interest, pathologist's encouragement; enrolment U. of T. 1929-35. Large student enrolment in mycology, pathology; 20-hour student work-days; general research enthusiasm. Circumstantial element in subject's choice of speciality; realisation that fields of study equally fascinating exist by the hundred, are continually opening. Broad, satisfying basis of subject's speciality: work with forest pathologists across Canada, isolating pure fungus cultures for purpose of exact identification. Extensive original work, not only identifying cultures but establishing methods of culture comparison: crude at first, refined into highly satisfactory 'natural' system of classification distinguishing species on the basis of evolutionary developments. 'Nobles Code', system of representative digits used in combination to denote characteristics of fungus cultures, thus facilitating culture comparison; development into punchcard system, international adoption by scientists. Subject's George Lawson Award for contribution to botany; election to Royal Society of Canada. Demonstration at International Botanical Congress (1958), participation as sole woman member in 20-member international symposium at U. of Tennessee (1968); distinction as one of several pioneer women scientists honoured (1975) by Museum of Man, Ottawa. DisIike of 'woman scientist' designation, considered an irrelevant distinction; absence of sexist discrimination in Dept. of Agriculture, perhaps through influence of numerous female researchers, example set by previous women researchers. Separation of Dept. of Forestry from Dept. of Agriculture: subject's lack of direct contact with forest industry. Numerous enjoyable field trips: BC, Alberta, Ontario. Inexpressibly exciting, satisfying, rewarding life as research scientist; numerous international research trips following retirement (1969); occupational benefit of enjoying friends and interests everywhere.