Ernest Everett Just pioneered the study of cell life and human metabolism and explored egg fertilization. In the 1920s and 1930s he was the first to unlock secrets of cell structure and function. During his day, Just was regarded as one of the leading experts on egg cells and the development of marine biology.

Just was born on August 14, 1883, in Charleston, South Carolina. He graduated magna cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1904 with degrees in biology and history.

Just left Dartmouth that same year to teach at Howard University in Washinton, D.C. In 192 he was named head of Howard’s biology department, a position he held until his death in 1940. At Howard his study of the nature of living cells began to draw notice in the community of biologist.

During his time at Howard University, Just also was one of the founders of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1911. It is the first so called Greek letter organization founded at Historical Black College and University.