Mike Clinton
Introduction: Who was Roger Arliner Young?
Roger Arliner Young (1889-1964) was a pioneering African American woman in the field of science. She was born in Virginia and grew up in Pennsylvania, where she overcame significant obstacles to pursue her education and career in biology. Young’s remarkable achievements as a scientist and advocate for civil rights have left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire young people around the world to pursue their dreams.
Overcoming Adversity: Young’s Early Life
Young’s childhood was marked by poverty and family instability. Her mother died when she was young, and her father struggled with alcoholism and was often absent from her life. Despite these challenges, Young showed an early interest in science and biology, and she began attending Howard University in Washington D.C. on a scholarship in 1916. However, she faced significant discrimination and harassment as a Black woman on campus, and she was forced to leave after just one year. Undeterred, Young continued her studies at the University of Chicago and eventually earned a Ph.D. in zoology in 1940.
A Pioneering Career in Science
Young’s career as a scientist was marked by groundbreaking research and innovative contributions to the field of marine biology. Her work focused on the behavior and physiology of marine organisms, and she was particularly interested in the movement of single-celled organisms like Paramecium. Young’s research challenged prevailing assumptions about the role of environment in shaping the behavior of animals, and her discoveries helped lay the foundation for modern studies of animal behavior.
Young’s Contributions to Marine Biology
Young’s research on Paramecium was particularly groundbreaking. She showed that these single-celled organisms were capable of learning and adapting to their environment, challenging the prevailing view that they were simple and unchanging. Young’s work paved the way for more sophisticated studies of the behavior of single-celled organisms, and it remains an important contribution to the field of marine biology.
The Legacy of Young’s Research on Paramecium
Young’s research on Paramecium has had a lasting impact on the field of biology. Her work challenged long-held assumptions about the behavior of simple organisms, and it helped open up new areas of research into the mechanisms of learning and adaptation in animals. Today, scientists continue to build on Young’s discoveries, using them to explore the behavior of a wide range of animals, from insects to humans.
Young’s Role in the Civil Rights Movement
Young was also a dedicated activist and advocate for civil rights. She worked alongside other prominent Black intellectuals and activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Mary Church Terrell, to challenge racist policies and practices in academia and the broader society. Young’s activism helped pave the way for future generations of Black scientists and researchers, and it remains an important part of her legacy.
Women in Science: Young’s Impact on Diversity
Young’s achievements as a Black woman in science were groundbreaking, and they continue to inspire new generations of scientists from diverse backgrounds. Her work helped break down barriers to entry for women and people of color in the sciences, and her legacy remains an important reminder of the importance of inclusivity and diversity in scientific research.
Honors and Recognition for Roger Arliner Young
Despite the many obstacles Young faced during her career, she received recognition and honors for her groundbreaking achievements. In 1940, she became the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Chicago. She later received fellowships from the National Research Council and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and she was posthumously inducted into the Women in Science Hall of Fame in 2016.
The Importance of Remembering Roger Arliner Young
Young’s remarkable achievements as a scientist and advocate for civil rights remain an important reminder of the power of perseverance and hard work. Her legacy continues to inspire young people from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams, and it serves as a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusivity in scientific research.
Conclusion: Young’s Enduring Legacy in Science
Roger Arliner Young’s contributions to the field of science were groundbreaking and innovative, challenging long-held assumptions and opening up new areas of research. Her work as an activist and advocate for civil rights also helped pave the way for future generations of Black scientists and researchers. Young’s enduring legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in scientific research, and it continues to inspire young people around the world to pursue their passions and make a difference in the world.