Born in Austria in 1822, Gregor Mendel is commonly known in the genetics world as the father of genetics. At age 11, he and his family moved to Troppau where he began his education. He graduated from the school with honors in 1840. Mendel went to the University of Olmutz where he studied various different subjects such as math and physics. In 1843, he graduated from the university and began to study at a monastery. Later in 1849, he was sent to a teaching position in Zanim but in 1851, elected to return the the monastery. During his decade of teaching at the monastery, he discovered the three laws of genetics (law of segregation, law of independent assortment, law of dominance).  He published his findings but many scientists at the time greatly misunderstood Mendel's work and thought he only published what was already commonly known at the time. Today, we know that Mendel's laws are the foundational principles of the genetics and apply to all species.