Drew-Baker, Kathleen M. (1901–1957)

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Drew-Baker, Kathleen M. (1901–1957)

English botanist. Name variations: Dr. Kathleen M. Drew; Kathleen M. Baker; Kathleen Drew Baker. Born Kathleen Mary Drew, 1901, in Leigh, Lancashire, England; died 1957; University of Manchester, BS, 1922, MS, 1923, DSc, 1939; m. H. Wright Baker; children: Dr. John Rendle Baker and (Kathleen) Frances Baker Biggs.

A red seaweed (Rhodophyceae) expert, discovered the life cycle of the nori (seaweed), an enormous contribution to the Japanese nori farming industry; was 1st president of British Phycological Society; also studied seaweeds in California and Hawaii; worked as assistant lecturer at University of Manchester's Botany Department (from 1923); studied potential uses of seaweed for manufacture of agar for bacteria cultivation during war years. Monument to her was erected in Sumiyoshi Shrine Park, overlooking the Ariake Sea, in Uto City, Japan (1963).

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