Zhang’s group at Duke is studying the half of the human genome that is made up of long, repetitive sequences of DNA called transposons, or “jumping genes.” They’re given that nickname because of their habit of jumping around in the genome, making changes and enabling evolution.

The first Black woman to graduate from the Duke School of Medicine in 1972, Jean Spaulding went on to help lead Duke Health as an administrator, making primary health care accessible to low-wealth residents across Durham and beyond.

Prentiss Harrison was the first African American physician assistant in the country. Learn more about him and other pioneering graduates of the Duke Physician Assistant Program, which was the first such program in the country.

Deryl Hart, MD's pioneering work on the use of ultraviolet radiation as a means of combating airborne infections in the operating room won national acclaim. As the University's 4th president, he oversaw the desegregation of the undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools.

From 1979 to 2009, Duke Hospital ran a futuristic rail system to transport patients, staff, and visitors between Duke South, Duke North, and Parking Garage No. 2.

The Founding of Duke Hospital and Schools of Medicine and Nursing turn Duke into medical powerhouse.

Duke Life Flight’s helicopters and ambulances, along with the specialized medical staff from Duke University Hospital, has been providing rapid life-saving care to critical patients since 1985.

As the executive vice president for the Duke University Health System from 2008 to 2021, Fulkerson oversaw an era of tremendous growth and the crisis conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A principal link in the life of this university.” That is how former Duke University President Richard H. Broadhead described Mary Duke Biddle Trent Semans.

As part of the university's centennial celebration, the Duke Cancer Institute hosted the 2nd annual MaryAnn Black Distinguished Health Equity Symposium in honor of the late MaryAnn Black.