This pint glass features the father of modern genetics: Gregor Mendel. Mendel, who was an Augustinian friar, began studying heredity in mice, but had to switch to plants when his bishop decided it wasn't appropriate for a friar to be studying animal sex. His pea plant experiments established many of the rules of heredity now referred to as the laws of Mendelian inheritance.

In addition to his experiments on the heredity of traits, Mendel also studied meteorology, astronomy, hawkweed and honey bees. He was dedicated to his studies, but struggled financially, and part of the reason he became a friar was to get an education without having to pay for it himself. Raise a glass to this frugal scientist.

When it’s time to celebrate your favorite physicist, lab partner, or professor, who better to present?

Your biggest discoveries always lie ahead.

View all in the Heroes of Science Series