Joseph G. Gall (1928–2024): Cell biologist, naturalist, and mentor extraordinaire

Joseph Grafton Gall (1928-2024), a founder of modern cell biology, made foundational discoveries on eukaryotic chromosomes and RNA biogenesis. His major contributions include the development of in situ hybridization (later called FISH), demonstration of one DNA double helix/chromosome, isolation of the first eukaryote gene, localization of satellite DNA to centromeric heterochromatin, determination of the first telomeric DNA sequence, and elucidating the structure and functions of Cajal bodies. He was an expert microscopist, a scholar of science history, and an avid naturalist. These attributes, together with his ready embrace of new technologies, contributed to his remarkable success. He was also an early and strong supporter of women in science. His contributions to science and mentoring were recognized by numerous awards including the American Society for Cell Biology's E.B. Wilson Medal, the Society for Developmental Biology's Lifetime Achievement Award, the Albert Lasker Special Achievement Award in Medical Research, and the AAAS Mentor Award for Lifetime Achievement.