Theodora Lisle Prankerd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Theodora Lisle Prankerd
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Prankerd, 1919
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| Born | 21 June 1878 |
| Died | 11 November 1939 |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Botanist |
| Parent(s) | Orlando Reeves Prankerd, Clementina Soares |
Theodora Lisle Prankerd (born June 21, 1878 – died November 11, 1939) was a brilliant British scientist. She was a botanist, which means she studied plants. Theodora was especially interested in how ferns grow. She also taught at important colleges like Bedford College in London and the University of Reading.
Early Life and Learning
Theodora Lisle Prankerd was born in Hackney, London, a part of England. Her father, Orlando Reeves Prankerd, was a doctor. Her mother was Clementina Soares.
Theodora went to Brighton High School. After that, she studied botany at Royal Holloway, University of London. She was a very good student and received scholarships to help pay for her studies. These were called the Founders scholarship and later the Driver Scholarship. She graduated with top honors in 1903. At that time, a famous botanist named Margaret Jane Benson was in charge of the botany department.
Her Work and Discoveries
Theodora started her career as a school teacher from 1904 to 1911. In 1912, she became a part-time teacher of botany at Bedford College, London. Soon after, she became a full-time teacher there until 1917. She also taught part-time at Birkbeck College, London starting in 1912.
In 1917, Theodora moved to the University of Reading. She taught botany there for many years, until she passed away. She worked with other scientists like Tom Harris and Walter Styles. Walter Styles later wrote about her life and work.
Theodora earned her Doctor of Sciences degree from the University of London in 1929. This is a very high academic achievement.
Between 1922 and 1936, she did important research on ferns. She studied how ferns grow in response to gravity. This is called geotropism. Her studies were groundbreaking, meaning they were new and very important for science. Even though she did all the research and wrote the scientific papers, her work was often presented at meetings by her male colleagues.
Theodora Prankerd passed away in Reading in 1939. After her death, her mother created a special scholarship at the University of Reading in Theodora's name. This scholarship helps other students do research, just like Theodora did.
