Fenton, Paul F., (Paul Fredric), 1915-1982

Paul F. Fenton (1915-1982) received his bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester and his master's and doctor's degrees from the University of Vermont in 1940 and 1944, respectively. He came to Brown University as an associate professor in 1949, after teaching for several years at the University of Vermont and Yale University. He was promoted to the rank of professor in 1954. Fenton served as the director of graduate studies in the biology department and the Division of Biological and Medical Sciences from 1953 to 1968.

As a researcher in the biochemistry of nutrition, Fenton played a key role in the development of the medical studies program at Brown. According to Richard Goss, former Dean of Biological Sciences, Fenton was in the forefront of research on obesity, and his innovative teaching style won him accolades from his students as one of the best professors at Brown. He was awarded grants from the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Public Health Service, and in 1957 was awarded a fellowship from the Guggenheim Foundation for research in molecular and cellular biology.

Fenton passed away on January 24, 1982, in Barrington, R.I. He was survived by his wife Elizabeth and two sons, John and Robert.