Lynn Margulis

Lynn Margulis is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago, her Masters of Science at the University of Wisconsin, and her Ph.D. at the University of California at Berkeley. As an associate professor at Boston University in the 1970s, Margulis wrote her career-defining work: "The Origin of Eukaryotic Cells." The book proposed the idea that mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved symbiotically, a proposal directly countering the established point of view at the time. The theory, though still debated, is now taught in high schools. Margulis's Symbiotic Theory gained more acceptance after the 1981 publication of her book "Symbiosis in Cell Evolution." She has made numerous contributions to the areas of cell biology and microbial evolution. Her research now focuses on Serial Endosymbiotic Theory. Some of her books include "Symbiotic Planet: A New Look at Evolution," "Acquiring Genomes: A Theory of the Origins of Species" and "Symbiosis in Cell Evolution: Microbial Communities in the Archean and Proterozoic Eons." Margulis is also recognized for her work with James E. Lovelock's Gaia concept, as well as her theory of symbiogenesis. Margulis chaired the National Academy of Science's Space Science Board Committee on Planetary Biology and Chemical Evolution from 1977-1980. She was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1983. In 1998 the Library of Congress announced that it would permanently archive her papers. In 1999, Margulis was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Science from President Clinton. Margulis will be receiving an honorary doctorate of science.