29 Interesting Facts about Jewel Plummer Cobb

Dan May 3, 2023

Jewel Plummer Cobb was an American biologist, cancer researcher, and academic who made significant contributions to the field of cell biology. She was born on January 17, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on January 1, 2017, at the age of 92.

Cobb began her academic career at the University of Michigan, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology in 1947. She then went on to earn a master’s degree in the same field from New York University in 1948. In 1950, she earned a Ph.D. in cell physiology from the University of Michigan.

Cobb’s research focused on the study of melanoma and the effects of cancer drugs on cells. She also conducted research on the effects of radiation on cells and the role of enzymes in the body. Her work contributed to the development of cancer treatments and helped to advance our understanding of cell biology.

In addition to her research, Cobb was an advocate for increasing diversity in the sciences. She worked to create opportunities for women and minorities in the field of biology and was a vocal critic of discriminatory practices in academia. She served as the president of California State University, Fullerton, from 1981 to 1990, and was the first African American woman to lead a major university west of the Mississippi River.

Cobb’s contributions to the field of biology and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in academia have had a lasting impact. She was a trailblazer in her field and an inspiration to many who followed in her footsteps. Her legacy continues to influence the way we approach scientific research and education today.

It’s a good idea to look at these 29 interesting facts to know more about Jewel Plummer Cobb.

1. Jewel Plummer Cobb was born on January 17, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on January 1, 2017, in Maplewood, New Jersey.
2. She was an African American biologist, cancer researcher, and educator.
3. In 1942, she received a full scholarship to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology.
4. She earned her master’s degree in 1947 and her Ph.D. in 1950, both in cell physiology, from New York University.
5. She was the first black woman to earn a doctorate in biology from NYU and the third in the United States.
6. She married Roy Cobb, a fellow graduate student at NYU, in 1947, and they had two children.
7. In 1950, she became an instructor at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.
8. She then became a research associate in the Department of Surgery at New York University College of Medicine in 1952.
9. In 1956, she was appointed as a research scientist in the Division of Cancer Research at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.
10. She served as the chair of the Biological Sciences Department at Connecticut College from 1969 to 1976.
11. In 1976, she became the first African American woman to lead a predominantly white institution of higher education when she was appointed president of California State University, Fullerton.
12. During her tenure as president of Cal State Fullerton, she worked to increase the number of minority and women students and faculty members.
13. She resigned as president in 1981 to return to research and teaching.
14. In 1981, she joined the faculty at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as a professor of biological sciences.
15. In 1985, she became the first woman and the first African American to chair the Division of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the UCLA School of Medicine.
16. She retired from UCLA in 1991 and became a trustee of the California State University system.
17. In 1993, she was appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton and served until 1998.
18. In 2000, she received the National Medal of Science from President Clinton.
19. She was also awarded honorary degrees from many institutions, including Yale University, Brown University, and the University of Michigan.
20. She was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
21. She was also a member of the Sigma Xi scientific research society, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Society for Microbiology.
22. In 1997, she published her autobiography, “Journey of a Woman Scientist.”
23. She was a lifelong advocate for science education and diversity in the sciences.
24. In 2015, the Jewel Plummer Cobb Residence Hall was dedicated at California State University, Fullerton in her honor.
25. She was also honored with the Jewel Plummer Cobb STEM Scholarship, which supports undergraduate students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
26. She was known for her research on melanoma and the effects of environmental toxins on human health.
27. She was an advocate for the advancement of women and minorities in science and medicine.
28. She was one of the first African American women to hold a leadership position in academia.
29. She was a trailblazer in the field of cell biology and inspired generations of scientists and researchers.

Jewel Plummer Cobb was an inspiring scientist, educator, and advocate for diversity and equity in the field of science. She paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in STEM, and her contributions to cancer research and cell biology have had a lasting impact on the scientific community. Her dedication to promoting education and scientific excellence earned her numerous accolades, including the National Medal of Science, and her legacy continues to inspire scientists and educators around the world.