Jenkin, Penelope M. (1902–1994)

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Jenkin, Penelope M. (1902–1994)

English zoologist. Name variations: P.M. Jenkin. Born 1902 in UK; died 1994; dau. of B.M. Jenkin (engineer and creator of a corer and surface mud sampler); attended Newnham College, Cambridge, 1921–25, 1927–31; University of Glasgow, postgraduate studies, 1925–27.

The 1st to conduct independent research (1931) at the Freshwater Biological Association's laboratory and the 1st person to use 1 algae species to measure daily photosynthetic rates, held a teaching scholarship at University of Birmingham (1927–29); as a Percy Sladen expedition member, measured photosynthesis in Kenya's Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha (1929); employed as a University of Bristol zoology lecturer (1934–62); conducted significant work on the food web of Lake Nakuru germane to the role of the lesser flamingo; was (most likely) the 1st woman to be approved for a postgraduate degree (Cambridge, MS, 1948) via the Board of Research Studies.