Nettie Stevens
1861–1912 (age 51)
Geneticist/Biologist
Biography
Nettie Stevens broke new ground in genetics with her discovery of the role of chromosomes in determining sex, a revelation that profoundly deepened scientists’ understanding of heredity. Her meticulous laboratory work and scholarly dedication established her as one of the earliest women to make a defining contribution to modern biology.
Stevens refused to let societal expectations limit her curiosity, and her courageous pursuit of truth inspired other women in science to follow in her footsteps, ensuring her insight would ripple through generations of researchers.