| Abstract: | Obituary briefly characterizes the background of Lillian G. Portenier and her contributions to the field of psychology. Her formal affiliation with psychology began in the fall of 1930, when she became assistant professor of psychology at the University of Wyoming, although she had been involved with psychology prior to that date. At the time, the Department of Psychology was headed by June Etta Downey. Funds were far from abundant and the teaching load was heavy, but Downey had established a tradition of excellence in both research and teaching and Portenier continued in that tradition. In 1934, after earning her doctorate in psychology from Columbia University, Portenier was promoted to associate professor of psychology and in 1939 to professor. During the World War II years of 1942-1944, she also served as acting head of the Department of Psychology and as acting head of Student Personnel Services. Lillian Portenier's major interests in psychology were related to mental testing, mental health, and child psychology. As well as teaching in these fields, she was active in applying the scientific method to society's problems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
