today in Black history - feb 2

Biologist Ernest E. Just received the Spingarn Medal for his pioneering research in fertilization and cell division, 1915.

Biologist Ernest E. Just in the lab

I am most certainly not a laboratory scientist. However, a number of years ago, I learned about Ernest E. Just (a genetic biologist) and became intrigued by the impact he had both on his field and on a cadre of future Black scientists eager to carry forward the torch he passed them. Just graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dartmouth with a degree in biology in 1907. He went on to teach and conduct research at prestigious institutions such as Howard University and The University of Chicago's Marine Biology Laboratory.

A renowned scientist who's work was authoritative in his field, Just became the first receipt of the NAACP's Spingarn Medal on February 2, 1915. His pioneering research in fertilization and cell division went on to receive international acclaim.

Dr. Just authored a number of books. If you want to fully nerd out on his work, you can check out this title, for example (or better yet, hit up your local library for a full bibliography). If you're interested in getting a child inspired and excited by the life and work of Ernest E. Just, you might want to give one of these children's books a try:

I haven't read this biography of Ernest Just yet, but I'm definitely down to give it a try to get more into the complexity of his life. Book club anyone?