Lydia Roberts

Lydia Jane Roberts (1879–1965) was a pioneering nutritionist in childhood nutrition, especially in creating government nutrition standards like the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of minerals and vitamins. She studied and taught at the University of Chicago, receiving her Ph.D. in home economics in 1928 and later becoming department chair in 1930. Early life Lydia Jane Roberts was born June 30, 1879, in Hope Township, Barry County, Michigan to Warren and Mary (McKibbin) Roberts. She was one of four children. Her father was a carpenter. He moved the family to Martian, Michigan not long after the birth of Lydia. Education Roberts attended primary and high school in Martin, Michigan. She completed a one-year course at Mt. Pleasant Normal School in 1899, and was later awarded a Life Certificate from Mt. Pleasant Normal School, allowing her to teach at any Michigan elementary school. Roberts entered with advanced standing at the University of Chicago in 1915 where she majored in home economics under the direction of noted biochemist Katharine Blunt. Career After receiving her degree in home economics in 1917, Roberts worked as an assistant professor at the University of Chicago. Upon the completion of her Ph.D., she was promoted to Associate Professor. Roberts received full professorship and was appointed to the Chair of the Home Economics Department in 1930. During her time as chair, she also served on the committee for creating the Recommended Daily Allowances, the suggested daily intake of nutrients. Due to mandatory retirement, Roberts left the University of Chicago in 1944 and took on the role of professor and Chair of the University of Puerto Rico, a position she held from 1946 to 1952 when she retired. After retirement, Roberts continued to be active in initiatives for improvements in nutrition for the families of Puerto Rico.