The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist

The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist documents the life and career of Ben Barres, a neurobiologist who transitioned from female to male in his forties while working as a professor at Stanford University. Barres recounts his path through science, from his early fascination with chemistry sets through his training at MIT, Dartmouth, Harvard, and beyond. The book details his research contributions in neuroscience, particularly his groundbreaking work on glial cells in the brain. The narrative includes Barres' experiences with gender discrimination in academia both before and after transition, as well as his advocacy for underrepresented groups in science. He discusses the changes he observed in how colleagues treated him as a male versus female scientist. This memoir serves as both a scientific account and a meditation on gender in the academic world, examining how personal identity and professional achievement intersect. The book offers insights into scientific discovery, academic culture, and the lived experience of gender transition in a high-stakes professional environment.

Readers appreciate Barres' clear, straightforward writing style and his dual perspective as both a scientist and transgender person. Reviews note the book serves as both a memoir about gender transition and a guide to navigating academia. Readers highlight: - Detailed insights into gender bias in science - Personal observations about differences in how he was treated pre- and post-transition - Practical advice for young scientists - Focus on scientific achievements alongside identity Common criticisms: - Writing can be dry and technical in parts - Some wanted more personal reflection - Brief length left readers wanting more depth Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (150+ ratings) Review quotes: "Candid account of both scientific process and personal journey" - Goodreads reviewer "Could have delved deeper into emotional aspects" - Amazon reviewer "Perfect balance of personal story and professional achievements" - NetGalley review

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🔬 Ben Barres was the first openly transgender person elected to the National Academy of Sciences, achieving this milestone in 2013. 🧠 As a neurobiologist, Barres made groundbreaking discoveries about the role of glial cells in the brain, which had previously been considered mere "support cells." ⚕️ After transitioning at age 42, Barres noted how differently he was treated in academia as a man, observing that his research was taken more seriously and he was interrupted less frequently during presentations. 📚 The memoir was completed while Barres was battling pancreatic cancer, and he finished writing it just months before his death in December 2017. 🎓 Despite facing significant barriers, Barres earned degrees from MIT, Dartmouth Medical School, and Harvard Medical School, and became the first tenured woman professor in Stanford's neurobiology department - though he later transitioned and lived as a man.