| 1902 |
Born on June 16, in Brooklyn, New
York. |
| 1921 |
Takes the only undergraduate course in genetics at Cornell University. |
| 1922 |
The genetics prfessor notices Barbara's intense
interest in genetics and invites her to take the
only graduate course offered in genetics. Barbara
will continue to study genetics for the rest of
her life. |
| 1923 |
Receives her B.A. from Cornell. |
| 1927 |
Earns her Ph.D. from Cornell in Botany. |
| 1927-1931 |
Is an instructor of Botany at Cornell. Works on determining the
genes found on the chromosomes in maize (corn). |
| 1936-1941 |
Is an Assistant Professor at University of Missouri and Vice
President of the Genetics Society of America.
Does not receive tenure at the University of Missouri. |
| 1941-1967 |
Joins a group of geneticists at Cold Spring Harbor where she
makes her discovery of the moving of chromosomal parts called "jumping
genes."
Shows that genes within a chromosome can move around. Her work
comes only 21 years after the rediscovery of Mendel's Principles
of Heredity. McClintock's research and results are advanced for
the time. |
| 1945 |
Becomes the first female president of the Genetics
Society of America. |
| 1950s |
Spends time in South America and Mexico studying the evolution of
agricultural maize. |
| 1983 |
Receives the Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology
at the age of 81 for her discovery of mobile genetic
elements. |
| 1992 |
McClintock dies at Cold Spring Harbor, New York, at the age of 90. |
