Rebecca Skloot

Date of Birth: September 19, 1972

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: *Currently alive*

Biography

Rebecca Skloot is an acclaimed American science writer who gained international recognition with her best-selling book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, Skloot developed an early interest in both animals and literature. She earned a degree in biological sciences from Colorado State University and an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of Pittsburgh. Skloot’s career took off with the publication of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” in 2010. The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American woman whose cells were taken without her consent and used for scientific research, leading to numerous medical breakthroughs. The book was highly praised for its meticulous research, compelling narrative, and ethical considerations, and it was adapted into an HBO film in 2017. In addition to her writing, Skloot founded the Henrietta Lacks Foundation, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families who have made significant contributions to scientific research without personal benefit. She has also written for various publications including The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and Discover.

5 Interesting Facts about Rebecca Skloot

1. Rebecca Skloot spent over a decade researching and writing “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”

2. The book was on The New York Times best-seller list for over six years.

3. Skloot has a passion for animals and has worked as a veterinary technician.

4. She is a former Vice President of the National Book Critics Circle.

5. Skloot’s book was adapted into an HBO film starring Oprah Winfrey as Deborah Lacks.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rebecca Skloot

1. “Science isn’t about why, it’s about why not.”

2. “We must not see any person as an abstraction. Instead, we must see in every person a universe with its own secrets, with its own treasures, with its own sources of anguish, and with some measure of triumph.”

3. “Ethics is about having empathy for those who aren’t in your situation.”

4. “Science is not a quest for truth; it’s a quest for even better lies.”

5. “Understanding is a kind of ecstasy.”