Giuliana Cavaglieri Tesoro has built an international reputation as an expert on polymers, compounds consisting of large molecules formed by repeating units of smaller molecules. In a productive career during which she has been granted about 120 patents, Tesoro has made several important contributions to the field of textile chemistry. Among her accomplishments have been the development of the first antistatic chemical for synthetic fibers, the improvement of the permanent press property of textiles, and the development of flame-resistant fabrics. In honor of this research, Tesoro received the Society of Women Engineers' Achievement Award in 1978.

Tesoro was born in Venice, Italy, on June 1, 1921, one of three children born to Gino and Margherita Maroni Cavaglieri. Although her father had trained as a civil engineer, he worked as the manager of a large insurance company. He died when Tesoro was only twelve. By the time she was ready to begin her...