Year: 1907

Who: Ernest Everett

Where: Charleston, SC

Born on August 14, 1883, in , Ernest Everett Just was a groundbreaking biologist whose research revolutionized our understanding of cellular development. After graduating magna cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1907 and earning a PhD in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1916, Just became a key figure in the scientific community. He is most renowned for his pioneering work on the role of the cell surface in development, a discovery that expanded the boundaries of biology and set the stage for future research in the field.

Just’s work transcended the laboratory as he sought to combine his scientific endeavors with social progress. As a professor at Howard University, he was instrumental in establishing the university’s Department of Biology, helping to shape future generations of Black scientists. Just’s research on cellular processes was revolutionary, challenging traditional thinking and contributing to the study of development and genetics. His legacy not only advanced the field of biology but also served as a powerful example of resilience in the face of racial discrimination, as he navigated the academic world during a time of segregation.

Ernest Everett Just’s contributions to biology and education continue to inspire generations of scientists. His work laid the foundation for key discoveries in developmental biology and genetics, and his commitment to advancing African American representation in the sciences remains a cornerstone of his legacy. Just’s story highlights the intersection of scientific discovery and social justice, demonstrating how one individual’s work can transform both a field of study and a community’s aspirations.

Sources

Website

• Arizona State University. (n.d.). Ernest Everett Just (1883–1941). The Embryo Project Encyclopedia. Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://embryo.asu.edu/pages/ernest-everett-just-1883-1941

• BlackPast. (n.d.). Just, Ernest Everett (1883-1941). Retrieved March 13, 2025, from https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/just-ernest-everett-1883-1941/