Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pioneering Human Genetics

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 29, 2010

1. Pioneering Human Genetics Marker

Inscription. While a University of Wisconsin genetics professor from 1960 to 1988, Oliver Smithies pioneered the targeted genetic modification of mouse embryonic stem cells. This discovery led to the development of "knockout" mice, which became an indispensable tool for studying the function of mammalian genes and understanding the root causes of human diseases. His earlier invention of gel electrophoresis also led to numerous molecular biology discoveries, including the sequencing of the human genome. Smithies shared the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.

This historic marker is made possible by a grant from the UW Foundation.

Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1960.

Location. 43° 4.437′ N, 89° 24.605′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Henry Mall and University Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Henry Mall. The marker is in front of the Genetics-Biotechnology Center Building on the University of Wisconsin campus. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 425 Henry Mall, Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneering Bacterial Genetics (within shouting distance of this marker); First Chemical Synthesis of a Gene (within shouting distance of this marker); Eliminating Pellagra (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Controlling Blood Clotting (about 300 feet away); Discovery of Vitamins A and B (about 300 feet away); The Nurses Dormitory (about 400 feet away); Forging Agrarian Democracy (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

More about this marker. This marker is part of a series commemorating the sesquicentennial of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 29, 2010

2. Pioneering Human Genetics Marker

Genetics-Biotechnology Center Building, with the marker on the left

Genetics-Biotechnology Center Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 29, 2010

3. Genetics-Biotechnology Center Building

Agricultural Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 25, 2010

4. Agricultural Hall

According to the UW web site, "Built in 1902, Agricultural Hall was designed as the administrative and research home of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The building remains almost entirely unmodified and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985."

Auditorium and Library, Hall of Agriculture image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

5. Auditorium and Library, Hall of Agriculture

Back entrance to Agricultural Hall

Detail on Agricultural Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

6. Detail on Agricultural Hall

Symbol of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 636 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 3, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.