Jeanette Adair Bradshaw was an American botany that was highly influential in plant taxonomy. She was born in 1877 and received her Ph.D., that was a rarity for women in those days, in botany from the University of Chicago. This research was carried out by Chalmers, who pioneer the study of ferns especially those of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.
Early Life of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Bradshaw has always had an early interest in Botany. She hails from a rural Illinois, and this makes him to be has a special appreciation for the nature. She began her graduate work at the University of Chicago and was advised by the well-known botanist, John Merle Coulter. The subject area was gradually enriched with contributions made by Bradshaw which had evolved from Coulter’s guidance on her research work.
Success Story of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw
Another success of Bradshaw was her research on the ferns of the Southern Appalachians. In this part of the world, the author undertook vigorous field research and amassed a rich collection of various fern types. Her work spurred the compilation of several useful papers such as, “The Ferns of North Carolina” as well as “The Ferns of Tennessee”. These works offered important data with respect to the distribution, taxonomic frameworks and food requirements of the ferns in the area.
Also, Bradshaw conducted research in other aspects of botany apart from the ferns research that she is well known for. She also joined the Botanical Society of America and also headed the Women’s Botanical Club in Chicago. She was also a passionate teacher and a great mentor for numerous students who follow the path of scientists.
Her Fern Research
Jeanette Adair Bradshaw’s most significant accomplishment was the study on the ferns of the Southern Appalachians. In this area she undertook a lot of field research on the ferns and had a chance to collect and analyze numerous samples of ferns including the Leptolepidium novum. Her research in this field was marked by several key papers which include: The Fern of North Carolina and The Fern of Tennessee. It was possible to obtain certain data on the distribution, categorization, and environmental conditions of ferns in the works mentioned above.
Besides her fern research, Bradshaw also published in other areas of botany. She was a member of the Botanical Society of America and was president of the Women’s Botanical Club of Chicago. She will also be remembered as an excellent teacher who encouraged many young people to become scientists.
Bradshaw’s Work
Nevertheless, Bradshaw’s work seemed to encounter a number of problems that arose from her gender in the field of science. In her age, women did not receive education and opportunities for their academic and professional achievement. But Bradshaw refused to quit and did get through to her fellow human beings and made an indelible mark in the history of botany.
The world of science is still brightened by the figure of Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. Her work that has dealt with the ferns has made a significant contribution on the progress of research that was to come as well as the knowledge on the plant species’ diversity. She is recognized as a pioneer for other women and especially for women scientists.
