Roger Arliner Young was an American zoologist and marine biologist known for her pioneering work in the field of comparative physiology. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her career, Young persevered and made significant contributions to the scientific community.
Young was born in 1899 in a small town in rural Virginia. As a child, she faced significant racial discrimination and segregation. Despite these challenges, Young excelled academically and was awarded a scholarship to attend Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C.
At Howard, Young excelled in her studies and became interested in marine biology. She went on to earn her master's degree in zoology from the University of Pennsylvania, and later received a fellowship to study at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
During her time at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Young focused her research on the physiology of marine invertebrates, specifically the nervous system and behavior of sea urchins. She became the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in zoology, and her groundbreaking work on the nervous system of sea urchins was published in several scientific journals.
After completing her Ph.D., Young faced numerous challenges in finding a job in her field due to discrimination and segregation. She eventually found a position as an assistant professor at Fisk University, a historically Black college in Nashville, Tennessee.
Young's time at Fisk was marked by numerous achievements, including the establishment of a marine biology laboratory and the publication of several more scientific papers. She also served as a mentor and role model for many of her students, inspiring them to pursue careers in science.
Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her career, Roger Arliner Young persevered and made significant contributions to the field of comparative physiology. Her pioneering work and dedication to science continue to inspire and influence researchers today.