Mary J. Rathbun facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary Jane Rathbun
Born	(1860-06-11)June 11, 1860 Buffalo, New York
Died	April 4, 1943(1943-04-04) (aged 82) Washington, D.C.
Nationality	American
Alma mater	George Washington University
Scientific career
Fields	Carcinology
Institutions	Smithsonian Institution
Influences	Addison Emery Verrill, Sidney Irving Smith
Author abbrev. (zoology)	Rathbun

Mary Jane Rathbun (born June 11, 1860 – died April 4, 1943) was an amazing American scientist who studied animals. She was a zoologist who became an expert in crustaceans, which are creatures like crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Mary worked at the famous Smithsonian Institution museum from 1884 until she passed away. During her career, she discovered and named over a thousand new types of crustaceans!

Mary Jane's Early Life and Education

Mary Jane Rathbun was born on June 11, 1860, in Buffalo, New York. She was the youngest of five children. Sadly, her mother died when Mary was only one year old. This meant Mary had to learn to be very independent from a young age.

She went to school in Buffalo and finished her studies in 1878. Even though she became a very important scientist, Mary never went to college. This shows that you can achieve great things through hard work and dedication!

Mary was quite small, only about 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 meters) tall. People who knew her often said she had a very funny, dry sense of humor.

Starting Her Science Career

Mary Jane first saw the ocean in 1881. She went with her brother, Richard Rathbun, to Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Her brother was working as a science helper for a scientist named Addison Emery Verrill. Another expert, Sidney Irving Smith, who studied crustaceans, was also there.

Mary started helping out. She would label, sort, and record the different animal samples that Smith collected. This was her first experience working with crustaceans, and she loved it! From that moment on, she focused her studies on these fascinating creatures.

For three years, Mary worked for her brother without pay. Then, a man named Spencer Fullerton Baird offered her a job as a clerk at the Smithsonian Institution. This was a huge step for her career.

Working at the Smithsonian Institution

Mary continued to work at the Smithsonian museum. She spent 28 years there, learning and becoming an expert. Eventually, she was promoted to assistant curator. This meant she was in charge of the museum's collection of crustaceans.

Even after she retired, the Smithsonian Institution recognized her amazing work. In 1915, they made her an "Honorary Research Associate." This meant she could still do research at the museum.

Mary also received special honors for her scientific achievements. In 1916, the University of Pittsburgh gave her an honorary master's degree. The next year, in 1917, she earned her Ph.D. from George Washington University.

Mary was also a member of several important science groups. These included the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Washington Academy of Sciences.

Mary Jane Rathbun passed away in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 1943. She was 82 years old.

Animals Named After Mary Jane Rathbun

Mary Jane Rathbun was such an important scientist that many new types of animals have been named in her honor. When a scientist discovers a new species, they sometimes name it after another scientist they admire. This is a way to show respect for their contributions to science.

Here are some of the animals that have been named after Mary J. Rathbun:

See also

In Spanish: Mary J. Rathbun para niños