Elsie Conway facts for kids

Elsie Conway (born Elsie Phillips, 15 March 1902 – 22 July 1992) was an important British scientist. She studied algae, which are simple plant-like living things. Elsie Conway was the president of the British Phycological Society from 1965 to 1967. She was also one of the first women to become a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This is a very respected group for scientists in Scotland.

Early Life and Education

Elsie Phillips was born on 15 March 1902. Her hometown was Aldford, in Cheshire, England. She was the older daughter of William and Margaret Phillips.

From 1912 to 1919, Elsie went to the Queen's School in Chester. After that, she went to the University of Liverpool. There, she studied plants.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1922. She then received Honours in 1923 and her PhD in 1925. During her studies, she met Margery Knight. This meeting sparked her lifelong interest in algae.

Elsie Conway's Career in Science

In 1925, Elsie Conway started working at Durham University. She was a lecturer in botany. At that time, it was common for women to stop working when they got married. So, she left her job in 1928 when she married.

However, Elsie returned to university life in 1938. She began working at the University of Glasgow. She stayed there until she retired in 1969. At first, she worked part-time. Then, in 1945, she became a lecturer. She was promoted to senior lecturer in 1965.

Research on Red Algae

Elsie Conway's main research was on red algae. She was especially interested in a type called Porphyra.

During the Second World War, it was hard to get certain supplies. In 1942, Elsie joined a group of scientists. They looked into making agar from seaweeds found in the UK. Agar is used in medicines. They found that Mastocarpus stellatus and Chondrus crispus were good sources.

Elsie also worked on a wartime project. This project aimed to clear bracken from land. This land was needed for farming.

Studying Coastlines

In 1952, Elsie worked with other scientists. These included Shelia Lodge, Elsie Burrows, and Harry Powell. They studied the coast of Fair Isle. This island is part of the Shetland islands.

They found that the way plants grew on the shore was different there. This was because of strong waves and high humidity.

Leadership in Scientific Societies

Elsie Conway helped start the British Phycological Society in 1952. She later became its president from 1965 to 1967.

From 1967 to 1969, she was president of the Andersonian Naturalists of Glasgow. She was also vice-president of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh. In 1967, she was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. This was a great honor.

Between 1955 and 1965, Elsie was the editor of the British Phycological Bulletin.

Post-Retirement Work

After retiring from Glasgow, Elsie continued her research. From 1969 to 1970, she was a visiting professor. She worked at the University of British Columbia in Canada.

Then, from 1970 to 1972, she was a professor at the University of Otago in New Zealand. There, she made a list of algae found on Stewart Island. She returned to British Columbia from 1972 to 1974. She continued to study Porphyra algae in that region.

Family and Later Life

On 28 June 1928, Elsie Phillips married Geoffrey Seymour Conway. He was an England rugby union player. His father was Robert Seymour Conway. They married at the Church of St Mary's-without the-Walls in Chester.

Elsie and Geoffrey had three sons. Their oldest son was John Conway. He became a history professor at the University of British Columbia. Their second son, Robert Conway, was a senior lecturer in radioastronomy. He worked at the University of Manchester. Their third son, Martin Conway, became president of the Selly Oak Colleges in Birmingham.

Elsie and Geoffrey later separated in 1948.

In her later years, Elsie Conway moved back to Chester. She passed away on 22 July 1992.