Scientists included in this book represent the fields of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer science, dentistry, engineering, entomology, genetics, geology, mathematics, medicine, nursing, physics, psychology, sociology, zoology, and inventions. Described here are African American men and women who have contributed to the advancement of science, including inventions. These individuals have contributed in large and small ways that might have been overlooked when chronicling the history of science. All individuals included here were listed in the published literature. The author conducted no interviews, and no suggestions were accepted solely on the basis of hearsay. There is no intent to be all-inclusive. The selections were strictly the author's. Many important contributions have been omitted, especially those of recent years, because a limit had to be set. This book shows that African Americans made many contributions to the sciences, medicine, education, and inventions as slaves, as freed persons, and as immigrants. They made contributions during the period of slavery, segregation, sharecropping and the modern era.
Their contributions had and continue to have an impact on the economy of the United States, and the convenience, education, health, safety, security, and welfare of its citizens. These contributors improved the economic well-being of individuals and groups of individuals. They saved lives, improved the health of people, alleviated much pain and suffering, and raised the levels of education and knowledge. The activities and deeds of George Washington Carver, Ernest Everett Just, Percy Lavon Julian, and Charles Richard Drew, who are arguably the greatest of the African American scientists and who have made great contributions, exemplify these characteristics. Some of their research, creations, and contributions will have an influence -- at home and abroad -- well into the future.
Author Biography:
Robert B Sanders, Biochemist, educator, administrator, and consultant (born in 1938). Robert B Sanders was born in Augusta, GA, attended segregated private and public schools in Augusta, GA, earned a B. S. degree summa cum laude in chemistry from Paine College in Augusta, GA, in 1959, and earned a M. S. degree in biological chemistry from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1961. Mr. Sanders wrote a dissertation entitled The Effect of Insulin on 1-Aminocyclopentanecarboxylic Acid Distribution in the Rat, and he earned a Ph. D. degree in biological chemistry from the University of Michigan in 1964, when his dissertation advisor was DrThomas R. Riggs. DrSanders held a postdoctoral fellowship from the American Cancer Society in 1964-1966, when he studied parathyroid hormone purification and action, and he was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 1964-1966, when his mentor was Professor Hector F. DeLuca. Robert B. Sanders was an assistant professor in 1966-1972, an associate professor in 1972-1986, a professor in 1986-2004, an associate dean of the Graduate School in 1987-1996, an associate vice chancellor in 1989-1996, and a professor emeritus in 2004- at the University of Kansas at Lawrence. Professor Sanders was a visiting scientist at the Battelle Memorial Institute Pacific Northwest Laboratories in Richland, WA, in 1970 and 1971, a visiting associate professor at the University of Texas Medical School Houston in 1974-1975, when he held a
