Department of Genetics
1930s
Genetics curriculum was taught as a component of coursework in the agronomy, zoology, and plant pathology departments.
1950s
The Department of Genetics was established and located in Winston Hall. For historical records, see the online collection guide.
View of Winston Hall from across Hillsborough StreetThe Department of Genetics moved to Gardner Hall.
Gardner HallPatricia Ann Sarvella became the first woman to receive a PhD degree at State College from the Department of Genetics.
The first African American woman hired as an academic staff member, Justina Williams, worked in the Department of Genetics's drosophila research lab. Many African Americans worked at State prior to Williams's appointment, however, they primarily worked in custodial or food service positions.
Justina Williams conducting genetics research1960s
Stanley G. Stephens became the first faculty member elected to the National Academy of Sciences.
Stanley G. Stephens, Professor of GeneticsTomoko Ohta graduated in 1967 with a PhD in genetics and was the first Japanese woman to receive a doctorate at NC State. Her dissertation chair was Professor Ken-ichi Kojima. Ohta previously obtained her master's degree in genetics in 1965.
In July of 1967, Dr. Terumi Mukai was hired in the Department of Genetics as Associate Professor. After the departure of Dr. Kojima, he oversaw the fruit fly gene mutation program in the genetics lab where Justina Williams worked as a research assistant.
1970s
Carey Bostian wrote Development of the Department of Genetics, North Carolina State University, 1924-1976. A print edition exists in the library.
1990s
NC State became one of the first land-grant universities to offer master's and doctoral degrees in genomic science.