Early Career and War Service
Stephenson original intended to study medicine after graduating, but her plans changed and she became a domestic science teacher, first at Gloucester County Training College and then at King's College of Household Science, London. In London she shared a flat with historian Myra Curtis, who was later Principal of Newnham College. As Stephenson did not find domestic science fulfilling, she was grateful when Robert Plimmer, co-founder of the Biochemical Club (later Society), invited her to become a researcher in his laboratory at University College London. Here she investigated fat metabolism, and also taught nutrition. She was awarded a Beit Memorial Fellowship in 1913, but her work was interrupted by the First World War.
After joining the Red Cross, Stephenson ran hospital kitchens in France; later she became a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) commandant in Salonika. She was mentioned in despatches, and, in December 1918, she was awarded the MBE and an Associate Royal Red Cross in recognition of her service. As a result of her war-time experience, she became a pacifist. Later she was an active member of the Cambridge Scientists Anti-war Group.
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