Jane Stephens | |
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Born | 9 October 1879 Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland |
Died | 11 December 1959 | (aged 80)
Alma mater | Royal College of Science for Ireland |
Known for | Authority on Sponges |
Scientific career | |
Fields | Zoology |
Institutions | National Museum of Ireland |
Jane Stephens (9 October 1879 – 11 December 1959) was an Irish zoologist who was considered a leading authority on sponges in Ireland with specialised knowledge in other marine life who identified and named over 40 sponges new to science.[1][2] From 1905 to 1920 she was employed in the Natural History Division of the National Museum of Ireland working primarily on the collections of marine invertebrates, including taking part in the Clare Island Survey. Robert Lloyd Praeger testified to her knowledge of and work with Irish sponges stating that "Most of what we know of this group, whether marine or fresh-water, in Ireland, or off the Irish coasts, is due to her work."[3]