Ep 7. Science Pioneers

In the seventh episode of season 6 of Finding Your Roots, titled "Science Pioneers," host Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the family histories of three groundbreaking figures in the field of science: astronaut Mae Jemison, geneticist Sterling B. Hendricks, and physician/scientist Dr. Harold E. Varmus.

Gates begins with Jemison, the first African American woman to travel into space. Through her ancestor's story, Gates uncovers a history of slavery and activism, including one ancestor who fought in the Civil War as a member of the United States Colored Troops. Jemison herself was inspired to pursue science by her parents, who encouraged her to explore and question the world around her.

Next, Gates delves into the lineage of Hendricks, a molecular geneticist who made significant contributions to the study of insect genetics and the use of insects for pest control. Hendricks' family history includes slavery, but also boasts several successful entrepreneurs, including a great-grandfather who owned land and a successful barbershop.

Finally, Gates turns to Varmus, a Nobel Prize-winning researcher who has made groundbreaking contributions to the study of cancer and was appointed as the director of the National Institutes of Health by President Barack Obama. Varmus' family history includes ancestors who were among the first Jewish settlers in New York City, as well as an Irish ancestor who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

Throughout the episode, Gates uses DNA testing and historical research to uncover surprising details about his guests' ancestors, including a connection to a prominent abolitionist for Jemison and a family history of activism in the civil rights movement for Varmus. As always, the show highlights the interconnectedness of human history and the importance of understanding our family origins.