Anna Parker Fessenden

Botanist, taught math at Needham High School

What is Anna Parker Fessenden known for?

Born on April 8, 1896, in Thomaston, Maine, United States, Anna Parker Fessenden was a notable American botanist and mathematics educator. Raised in Mattapan, Massachusetts, she pursued her education at Girls' Latin School and later graduated from Smith College in 1918. She was actively involved in the activities of the Smith College Unitarian Club and even contributed to the Smith College Monthly. She further deepened her academic pursuits by earning a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1920 under the guidance of Josephine Tilden. Her master's thesis titled "Observations on Two Rare Australian Algae, Myriocladia Sciurus, Harvey and Bactrophora Irregularis, N. SP." added a valuable contribution to the field of botany.

In her illustrious career, Fessenden taught botany at reputed institutions such as Vassar College, Wellesley College, and the University of Minnesota. Her insights and firsthand research on brown algae from Australia, co-authored with Josephine Tilden, are noteworthy. Beyond her botanical pursuits, she taught mathematics at Needham High School in Massachusetts for 36 years and was a director of math programs for the Needham school district, thereby significantly contributing to the field of education.

Outside of her professional commitments, Fessenden was an active member of the Audubon Society and a trustee of the Thomaston Historical Society. As a botanist, she is recognized by the standard author abbreviation 'Fess' when citing a botanical name. Anna Parker Fessenden passed away on May 3, 1972, in Camden, Maine. She is remembered for her immense contributions to both botany and education. Her tireless dedication to her profession and her lifelong commitment to learning stand as a testament to her noteworthy achievements.