Crespin, Irene (1896-1980), an Australian paleontologist, made contributions to the study of Australia’s prehistoric past. A paleontologist is a scientist who studies prehistoric life.
Crespin was born on Nov. 12, 1896 in Kew, near Melbourne. She attended the University of Melbourne , receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1919. In 1927, Crespin became an assistant paleontologist for the Commonwealth Government. In 1936, she became commonwealth paleontologist, a position she held until 1961. Her work included studying foraminifera, single-celled prehistoric living things with stony shells. Studying fossil foraminifera can assist in the search for oil, coal, and underground water.
Crespin received many honors during her career, including the Coronation Medal in 1953 and the Clarke Medal of the Royal Society of New South Wales in 1957. In 1969, she received the Order of the British Empire (OBE). She died on Jan. 2, 1980, in Canberra.
