Year: 1940

Who: Roger Arliner Young

Where: Philadelphia, PA

Roger Arliner Young was a pioneering American zoologist, marine biologist, and educator, born with a relentless passion for biology and a determination to break barriers for African American women in the sciences. In 1940, Young made history as the first African American woman to earn a PhD in zoology from the University of Pennsylvania, overcoming both personal and institutional challenges to achieve this monumental feat. Her academic success marked a significant milestone for African American women in science, setting a precedent for future generations.

Young’s groundbreaking work in marine biology focused on a variety of subjects, from sea urchin fertilization to the excretory apparatus of the single-celled organism Paramecium. Her research contributed to a deeper understanding of cellular hydration and the processes involved in marine organisms. Throughout her career, Young collaborated with the renowned biologist Ernest Everett Just, further enhancing her scientific impact. However, despite her accomplishments, she faced racial and gender-based barriers that limited opportunities within academia, challenges she overcame with tenacity and determination.

Beyond her scientific research, Roger Arliner Young was a dedicated advocate for equitable access to education and scientific resources. She mentored young Black scientists, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM fields and fighting for their inclusion in higher education and research opportunities. Her legacy lives on not only in her contributions to marine biology but also in her efforts to pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the scientific community, making her a trailblazer in every sense of the word.

Sources

Website

• McNeill, L. (2022, February 28). How a brilliant biologist was failed by science. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200930-arliner-young-the-black-biologist-failed-by-science ​

• Roger Arliner Young. Roger Arliner Young: Lifelong struggle of a zoologist. (n.d.). https://www.sdsc.edu/ScienceWomen/young.html ​