The Story
Helen Irene Battle was the first woman in Canada to earn a Ph.D. in marine biology. She then returned to her hometown of London, Ontario and taught at the University of Western Ontario. Her teaching career spanned over 50 years and was her passion. Many student awards and a memorial lecture are named in her honour at the University of Western Ontario.
Dr. Battle specialized in the physiology, embryology, morphology and ecology of marine organisms. She did her research for the National Fisheries Research Board, the Ohio State Fisheries Lab, the Atlantic Biological Station in St. Andrews, N.B., and the Marine Biological Lab in Plymouth, England.
In 1961, she co-founded the Canadian Society of Zoologists and became its President in 1962-1963.
Dr. Battle also fought for improving the position of women in universities and encouraged girls to study science.
Sources:
Helen I. Battle A profile from the University of Western Ontario, Dr. Battle’s career and major accomplishments
Battle, Helen Irene A short profile from the Canadian Encyclopedia
H. I. Battle: founding member and Vice-President
Image: Canadian Society of Zoologists
The Person
- Birthdate
- August 31, 1903
- Birthplace
- London, Ontario
- Date of Death
- June 17, 1994
- Place of Death
- London, Ontario
- Title
- Emeritus Professor of Zoology
- Status
- Deceased
- Degrees
-
- B.A. Honors (Biology) University of Western Ontario, 1923
- M.A. University of Western Ontario,1924
- Ph.D. University of Toronto, 1928
- Awards
-
- Helen Battle Award named, 1991
- Canadian Society of Zoologists Honorary Member, 1967
- F. E. J. Fry Medal, 1977
- Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
- Canadian Centennial Medal, 1967
- Last Updated
- September 17, 2015
- Popularity
- 40194
Profile viewed 40194 times
Other scientists who may be of interest: