Speaker: Professor Sarah Richardson

What makes me male or female?

What makes me male or female? Ask a biologist this question and she will probably tell you that females have two X chromosomes, whereas males have one X and one Y—simple as that. But did you know that male birds have two Z chromosomes, or that the sex of a baby turtle is determined by the temperature around the egg? Have you heard of nematode worms, most of whom are hermaphrodites with two Xs? What about humans with three Xs and two Ys? Join us as Professor Sarah Richardson explores the many pathways of natural sex determination, and how they were discovered.

Sarah Richardson is an Associate Professor at Harvard University, jointly appointed by the History of Science Department and the Committee on Degrees in Studies of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. A historian and philosopher of science, her research focuses on race and gender in the biosciences. Sarah studies the history of molecular biology, biomedicine, genetics, the philosophy of science, science and technology studies, and feminist studies.

Join us after the Happy Hour for a party to celebrate the success of BioBus and BioBase programs this school year!