Ernest Everett Just
Throughout the 20th century, Ernest Everett Just became one of the most influential African American scientists in the history of biology. Just was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1883. In order to pursue a career in biology, Just came in contact with an immense amount of racial discrimination. He earned his degree from Dartmouth College and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. He focused his research on cell development and the role of the cell surface in biological processes. Although he faced many barriers, Just was able to publish numerous studies that helped the scientific community expand on the knowledge of early cell growth.
Ernest Everett Just’s early life and schooling made a strong impact in shaping his career in science. He was born on August 14, 1883, in Charleston, South Carolina, and lost his father when he was only four years old. Just attended Kimball Union Academy in New Hampshire, in which he was the only student of color. He went on to attend Dartmouth college and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in zoology. In 1910, Just joined the biology department at Howard University and became a professor in 1912. However, due to racial discrimination, he was hampered from finding jobs at predominantly white universities in the United States. As a result, he traveled to Europe to continue his research and became the first American invited to perform research at the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute in Berlin. In 1933, Just relocated to Paris, France after Hitler’s National Socialist party rose to power in Germany. As he was conducting research at the Station Biologique in Roscoff, France, the German invasion led to him being captured and held as a prisoner-of-war. Eventually, he was rescued by the U.S. State Department and returned to the U.S. (Just, n.d.)
Just made many important contributions to the biology community during his career. Publishing approximately fifty scientific papers and two books, as well as earning a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Chicago. Just pioneered multiple areas of cell developmental physiology, some of which being, fertilization, hydration, experimental pathogenesis, cell division, as well as the effects of ultraviolet radiation on cells. He served as the editor of three scholarly periodicals. In 1915, Just became the first recipient of the NAACP’s Spingarn Medal, this recognized him as making an outstanding achievement as an African American. From the years 1920 to 1931, he was a Julius Rosenwald Fellow in biology with the National Research Council. This prestigious job provided Just with many significant opportunities to further his career despite racial discrimination. (Biography.com Editors, 2021), (Morgan State University, n.d.)
Overall, Just created a lasting legacy through his significant contributions to the field of biology as well as his perseverance when faced with the barriers of racial discrimination. Just remained dedicated to his field of study and research leading him to groundbreaking discoveries of cell development. Due to his studies, the understanding of cell physiology grew significantly. His numerous publications and recognition through the Spingarn Medal show how significant his work really was. Just’s accomplishments serve as an example of perseverance and determination in times of adversity as well as dedication to scientific discovery.
Works Cited:
Just, Ernest Everett, 1883–1941. (n.d.). BlackPast.org. https://blackpast.org/african-american-history/just-ernest-everett-1883-1941
Biography.com Editors. (2021, May 18). Ernest Everett Just. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/scientists/ernest-everett-just
Morgan State University. (n.d.). Ernest E. Just. Department of Biology. https://www.morgan.edu/biology/biology-club/who-is-ernest-just
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