Ethel Irene McLennan facts for kids

Ethel Irene McLennan (born March 15, 1891 – died June 12, 1983) was an amazing Australian scientist. She was a botanist, which means she studied plants. She was also a mycologist, meaning she specialized in fungi like mushrooms and molds. On top of that, she was a dedicated educator, teaching many students about the natural world.

McLennan's 1917 botanical illustration of Commelina ciliata

Early Life and Education

Ethel McLennan was born in Williamstown, Victoria, Australia. Her parents were George McLennan and Eleanor Tucker. She went to school at the Tintern Church of England Girls' Grammar School in Hawthorn.

In 1914, Ethel earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree from the University of Melbourne. She loved learning and continued her studies.

Becoming a Scientist

After finishing her first degree, Ethel started working at the University of Melbourne. From 1915 to 1931, she was a demonstrator and lecturer in botany. This meant she helped students learn about plants and taught classes.

Ethel was very interested in mycology, the study of fungi. She also loved learning about how plants and fungi work together. She even helped draw pictures for a book called "The Flora of the Northern Territories" in 1917. This book showed all the different plants found in that part of Australia.

In 1921, Ethel earned her Doctor of Science (DSc) degree from the University of Melbourne. This is a very high academic achievement.

Research and Awards

Ethel's hard work was recognized internationally. In 1925, she received a special fellowship from the International Federation of University Women. This allowed her to travel and do research in London, England. She worked at important places like the Rothamsted Agricultural Experimental Station and the Imperial College of Science and Technology.

In 1927, she won the David Syme Research Prize from the University of Melbourne. This was a big deal because she was only the second woman ever to win this award! She won it for her important research on a type of grass called Lolium.

Teaching and Leadership

Ethel became an associate professor of botany at the University of Melbourne in 1931. She held this position until 1955. Her research during this time focused on how fungi live with plants (called fungal symbioses) and the different fungi found in soil.

From 1937 to 1938, she was the acting head of the Biology department. This showed her leadership skills. During World War II, Ethel and her colleagues helped improve optical instruments, like binoculars and microscopes. Fungi were causing problems with these instruments in tropical areas, and her knowledge helped solve this issue.

Ethel retired in 1955. But she didn't stop working entirely! From 1956 to 1972, she worked part-time as the keeper of the university's herbarium. A herbarium is like a library for dried plant specimens.

Ethel was also a leader outside of her scientific work. In 1929, she was the chair of the Australian Pan-Pacific Women's Committee. In 1934, she became the president of the Australian Federation of University Women. She passed away in Melbourne in 1983, at the age of 92.