Clarence Cook Little

Clarence Cook Little was a renowned American Geneticist and Biologist who made significant contributions to the fields of Genetics and Cancer Research. He is best known for his work on the Jackson Laboratory, which he founded in Bar Harbor, Maine, and his research on Mouse Genetics. Little's work was influenced by prominent scientists such as Thomas Hunt Morgan and Hermann Joseph Muller, and he was a contemporary of notable figures like Theodosius Dobzhansky and Ernst Mayr. His research was also supported by organizations like the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

● Early Life and Education

Clarence Cook Little was born on October 6, 1888, in Brookline, Massachusetts, to James Lovell Little and Helena Dearborn Little. He developed an interest in Biology and Genetics at an early age, which was encouraged by his parents and educators at Harvard University, where he later studied under the guidance of William Ernest Castle and Charles Benedict Davenport. Little's education was also influenced by his time at Harvard College, where he was a member of the Hasty Pudding Club and developed a strong foundation in the Sciences. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in Zoology from Harvard University in 1914, and his research was supported by institutions like the Carnegie Institution of Washington and the Wistar Institute.

● Career

Little's career spanned several decades and included positions at various institutions, including Harvard University, University of Maine, and the University of Michigan. He was a prominent figure in the field of Genetics and served as the president of the University of Maine from 1922 to 1925 and the University of Michigan from 1925 to 1929. During his tenure, he worked closely with other notable educators and researchers, such as Alexander G. Ruthven and James Rowland Angell. Little's career was also marked by his involvement with organizations like the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Sciences.

● Research and Contributions

Clarence Cook Little's research focused primarily on Genetics and Cancer Research, with a particular emphasis on Mouse Genetics. He was one of the first scientists to recognize the importance of using Inbred Mice in Genetic Research and developed several Inbred Strains that are still used today in Cancer Research and other fields. Little's work was influenced by the research of scientists like Francis Galton and Gregor Mendel, and he collaborated with other notable researchers, including Leonell C. Strong and George D. Snell. His research was supported by grants from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the American Philosophical Society.

● Personal Life and Later Years

Clarence Cook Little was married to Elizabeth Walker Little, and they had two children together. He was an avid Outdoorsman and enjoyed Hunting and Fishing in his free time. Little was also a member of several social and professional organizations, including the American Genetic Association and the Sigma Xi. In his later years, he continued to work on his research and was involved in various Philanthropic efforts, including supporting the work of the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts of America. Little's personal life was also influenced by his relationships with other notable figures, such as Herbert Hoover and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

● Legacy

Clarence Cook Little's legacy is still felt today in the fields of Genetics and Cancer Research. The Jackson Laboratory, which he founded in 1929, is one of the world's leading centers for Genetic Research and has made significant contributions to our understanding of Genetics and Cancer. Little's work on Inbred Mice has also had a lasting impact on the field of Genetic Research, and his research has been recognized by organizations like the National Medal of Science and the Albert Lasker Award. His contributions to Science and Society have been honored by institutions like the University of Michigan and the Harvard University, and he will always be remembered as a pioneer in the field of Genetics. Category:American Geneticists