About

Ernest E. Just was a trailblazing American biologist notably known for his work in experimental embryology. From a young age, Ernest was introduced to the importance of community leadership and education by his mother. In 1907, Ernest graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth College majoring in biology and minoring in history. He was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Despite his many accomplishments he was not selected to deliver the commencement speech as faculty opposed the idea of the only Black student addressing parents, alumni, and benefactors. After receiving his degree, Just began teaching at Howard University. There in 1911, he founded the first Greek-lettered fraternity founded on the campus of a HBCU, Omega Psi Phi. For many summers after, Just worked for the Marine Biological Laboratory studying marine embryology. His work at the MBL then inspired him to pursue his doctorate in zoology from the University of Chicago and in 1916 he earned his degree. By then had become an internationally respected scientist known for his meticulous experimental designs. Throughout his career, Just faced racism and discrimination which ultimately led to his decision to move to Europe to conduct research in order to support his family. Ernest was a pioneer in his career and left behind a tremendous legacy, paving the way for black and other historically excluded scientists.

E.E. Just Biomedical Society at the University of Pennsylvania was created to carry on the legacy of Just. Our mission is to foster an environment that supports the well-being and professional development of Black and historically excluded biomedical graduate (BGS) students in the Perelman School of Medicine. We host a series of workshops, seminars and programs that serve the academic, social and professional needs of Black and other undergrad, grad, and postdoc Penn communities. We are also committed to supporting the local West Philadelphia community and empowering the next generation of Black and historically excluded scientists through targeted outreach initiatives.

Recent Events

Upcoming Events

Executive Board

Dominique Brooks

Outreach Co-Chair

CAMB PhD Student

Executive Board

Elana Pyfrom

Finance Co-Chair

CAMB PhD Student

Jenea Adams

Social Co-Chair

Genomics & Comp. Bio PhD Student

Adriana Hernandez Vasquez

Social Co-Chair

Neuroscience PhD Student

Advisory Board

First Hand

FirstHand is a program that exposes middle and high school students in underserved communities around Philadelphia to STEM through career exposure, mentorship, and hands-on activities.

Last semester middle school students were tasked with proposing a new Biotech company that addressed a societal issue or health problem using a microbiome product.

Sign up to become a volunteer below!

Franklin Institute

The Franklin Institute STEM Scholars program serves a select group of Philadelphia-area students in grades 9-12 who are passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The program’s mission is to increase promising urban students' matriculation into college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields by providing a STEM immersion portal to enhance STEM subject knowledge and problem-solving skills.

We partner with the Franklin Institute to provide mentorship through a variety of science talks and workshops including a 4 week gene editing workshop.

Sign up to become a volunteer below!

Resources

We hope to see you at our future events and volunteer opportunities! Don't hesitate to contact us via any social media platform. If you'd like to get more involved please email us!

@upenneejust

@upenneejust

eejustupenn@gmail.com