Henry Paul Hansen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Paul Hansen
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|---|---|
| Born | April 28, 1907 |
| Died | October 8, 1989 (aged 82) |
| Nationality |  American |
| Alma mater | University of Wisconsin–Madison (B.Sc., M.Sc.) University of Washington (Ph.D.) |
| Known for | Palynology, Quaternary geology |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Geology, Botany, Palynology |
| Institutions | Oregon State University |
| Doctoral advisor | G. B. Rigg |
Henry Paul Hansen (born April 28, 1907 – died October 8, 1989) was an American scientist. He was a palynologist, which means he studied tiny plant parts like pollen. He was famous for his important work on how plants grew and changed over time in the Pacific Northwest part of North America. He also served as a leader at Oregon State University for many years.
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Early Life and Family
Henry Hansen was born on April 28, 1907. His hometown was La Crosse, Wisconsin. His parents were Andrew and Emma Petersen Hansen.
He married Helen Rivedal in 1939. They had five children together. After Helen passed away in 1972, he later married Ethel Welch in 1979.
Education and Research
Henry Hansen went to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science, in 1930. He continued his studies there and received his Master of Science degree in 1931.
After that, Hansen moved to the University of Washington in 1935. For his Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree, he focused on pollen analysis. He studied pollen found in bogs, which are wet, spongy areas of land, in the Puget Lowlands of Washington.
Scientific Career and Discoveries
Henry Hansen started teaching at Oregon State University in 1939. He was an instructor there. He continued his research throughout his time at the university.
His work included collecting and studying over 50 "palynological records." These records are like historical diaries of plants, made from tiny pollen grains found in soil layers. They helped him understand the plant history of the Pacific Northwest.
Understanding Ancient Plants
One of his most important books was Postglacial Forest Succession, Climate, and Chronology in the Pacific Northwest. He published this book in 1947. This work was very impressive for its time.
At that time, scientists did not have a reliable way to figure out the exact age of ancient plant remains. Later, a method called C14 dating (or carbon-14 dating) was developed. This method helped scientists find the age of old materials much more accurately. Hansen's work was groundbreaking even without this tool.
Awards and Recognition
Henry Hansen received several important awards for his scientific work:
- 1943-1944 - Guggenheim Fellowship
- 1947-1948 - Guggenheim Fellowship
A Guggenheim Fellowship is a special award given to people who have shown outstanding ability in their field. It helps them continue their important research.
