Science Spotlights

Earnest Just

Earnest Just was born in Charleston, SC. on August 14, 1883. He was an American Educator, Scientist, and Biologist. In 1903, Just attended Dartmouth College where he would graduate three years later magna cum laud in biology. After graduating Just became an instructor at Howard University. In 1912, he was appointed Professor in the Department of Biology. Just was also a co-founder of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity in 1911. Just went on to attend the University of Chicago where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Just was a pioneer in physiology development. He made discoveries in the area of fertilization, hydration, cell division, and dehydration in living cells. In 1915, Just received my first Spingarn Medal from the NAACP. This award was presented to him for his outstanding achievement as an African American. Earnest Just died from pancreatic cancer on October 27, 1914. The U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative stamp honoring Just in 1996.