From Chromosomes to Mobile Genetic Elements

Dr. Lee B. Kass received her Ph.D. in Botany and Genetics from Cornell University after earning a B.S. in biology from The City University of New York. She did Postdoctoral research at The University of Cambridge-UK and Vanderbilt University. She has served on the faculties of The University of Cambridge, University of Tennessee-Nashville, Elmira College, The College of the Bahamas, Cornell University and West Virginia University-Morgantown. Kass has authored, edited or co-edited twelve books, and authored or co-authored numerous book chapters, proceedings papers, and articles in scientific journals. She is a member of the Botanical Society of America, The Bahamas National Trust, The Maize Genetics Cooperation, and a former member of many botanical organizations. Kass was chair of the Historical Section of the Botanical Society of America for many years. She established the Elmira College Herbarium, and currently serves on the Science Advisory Committee of the Bahamas National Trust. Among her awards is the Josef Stein Award, for excellence in teaching and scholarly achievement, various research grants, and a Fulbright Scholar Award, during which time she and her spouse, Dr. Robert E. Hunt, established the National Herbarium of the Bahamas. Currently, she is recognized in American Men of Science and Marquis Who’s Who. She is Visiting/Adjunct Professor at Cornell University, and at West Virginia University-Morgantown. Her research focuses on history of botany, and biodiversity and reproductive biology of Bahamian plants.

1. Introduction: Holding Court: How I came to know Barbara McClintock. 2. An Unconventional Childhood. 3. Genetics in the Roaring 20s. 4. From Botany Scholar to Maize Cytologist: Fact, Fiction and Faulty Memories. 5. The Golden Age of Corn Genetics: Cornfests, Cornfabs and Cooperation. 6. Awards and Recognition: Chromosome Structure and Behavior. 7. Missouri Compromise: Tenure or Freedom? Barbara McClintock Leaves Academe. 8. The Road to Transposition. 9. Resignation, Renewal, and Reorganization. 10. Coming Home Again: Andrew Dickson White, Professor-at-Large, Cornell University. 11. Golden Age of Corn Genetics, Reprise. 12. Unshared Nobel Prize and Inclusive Recognition.