Cupp (Easter Ellen) Papers, 1899-1980

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Summary

Title:
Easter Ellen Cupp Papers
Dates:
1899-1980
Creators:
Cupp, Easter Ellen, 1904-1999
Abstract:
The collection consists of papers and photographs documenting the life and career of marine biologist Easter Ellen Cupp, including her graduate studies and research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Extent:
9.8 Linear feet (8 archives boxes, 1 card file box, 5 oversize boxes)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Easter Ellen Cupp Papers, SMC 0097. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of papers and photographs documenting the life and career of marine biologist Easter Ellen Cupp, including her graduate studies and research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Arranged in six series: 1) BIOGRAPHICAL MATERIALS, 2) CORRESPONDENCE, 3) STUDENT NOTES, 4) RESEARCH MATERIALS, 5) WRITINGS, and 6) PHOTOGRAPHS.

Biographical / historical:

Marine biologist Easter Ellen Cupp (1904-1999) was born in Neola, Iowa. Her family moved to Whittier, California in 1910. Cupp attended Whittier College (A.B. 1926) and earned a master's degree in zoology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1928. In 1934, Cupp became the first woman in North America to receive a PhD in oceanography when she was awarded her doctorate from the University of California for research on plankton completed at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Cupp remained at Scripps and worked initially as an associate oceanographer, then instructor, from 1934-1939, but departed in 1940 when a faculty position proved elusive. During this period she completed work on her book, Marine Plankton Diatoms of the West Coast of North America, published in 1943. Cupp became an assistant biologist for the Naval Biological Laboratory from 1940-1943; when that assignment ended, she taught English and science at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School in San Diego until her retirement in 1967. She passed away in San Diego at the age of 95.

Acquisition information:
Acquired, 1999 and 2003
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Special Collections Archives, UC San Diego
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-03-17 23:03:46 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. ALLOW TWO TO THREE (2-3) WEEKS FOR RETRIEVAL OF MATERIALS.

Preferred citation:

Easter Ellen Cupp Papers, SMC 0097. Special Collections & Archives, UC San Diego.

Location of this collection:
9500 Gilman Drive, Dept. 0175
La Jolla, CA 92093-0175, US
Contact:
(858) 534-2533
spcoll@ucsd.edu
Website