Dr. Charles Henry Turner

WHY WE SHOULD ALL KNOW ABOUT 

CHARLES HENRY TURNER

By Elyen Jones, Kanaan Crockett, and Ayden Runions

Scientists used to think that insects only had instant responses. They didn’t think they could make strategies, see color, or communicate. Charles Henry Turner changed the way we see insects AND human beings.

Charles Henry Turner grew up reading about insects and observing them. He realized there was more to them. As an adult, he proved that bees could see colors and patterns. Also, they could remember where food was hidden, even when the food was moved around. 

Charles Henry Turner was the FIRST BLACK MAN to get a Bachelors and Masters of Science from University of Cincinnati. 

At that time, even before he got his PhD, he became the FIRST BLACK MAN to publish a scientific paper. It was in the journal Science, which is one of the most respected science journals in the world. To be published, other scientists had to agree that his science was right. It’s really hard to get a paper published, so this was a big deal.

Charles Henry Turner was the FIRST BLACK MAN to get a doctorate at the University of Chicago, one of the hardest and most respected universities in the world.

Because Dr. Turner was Black, he couldn't get a teaching job at a college or university even though he’d published more scientific papers by that time than most scientists do in a lifetime.

He moved to St. Louis where he taught science at Sumner High School in the St. Louis Public School System. 

Even though he was teaching high school science all day,  Dr. Turner published 41 papers in the 15 years he taught at Sumner. This is more than most full-time scientists ever do in their lifetimes. 

He proved that bees and other insects can see patterns, make strategies, and have memories. Before Dr. Turner, NO SCIENTIST thought this was possible. Today, scientists who study comparative psychology still use Dr. Turner’s research. Comparative psychology is science that uses animal behavior to understand humans.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwSROeIRs2A