In the period of great uncertainty that we continue to experience as a University, Harvard Griffin GSAS remains devoted to our mission of scholarship and critical inquiry at the highest level. Upholding these tenets remains our priority on behalf of all our students. As President Alan Garber shared in a message earlier this year, our international peers—our friends, colleagues, and students—are vital members of our community, and we will continue to meet our challenges with integrity and resolve.
Given these challenges, it is the stories—of our students, our alumni, and Harvard’s global impact—that we want to share and amplify. In this issue, you will learn about neurologist Elizabeth Klerman, PhD ’90, and her research on the impact of sleep—and sleep disorders—on mental health, productivity, and performance (page 8). You will also read about the work of recent graduate Adebanjo “Banjo” Adedoja, which focuses on mitochondrial permeability’s role in aging and addresses fundamental questions of cellular function and longevity (page 14). Happily, for this year’s Commencement, Adedoja was nominated by fellow students, graduate program administrators, and faculty, and was selected by the Harvard Griffin GSAS Student Council to serve as a Commencement Marshal. The marshals embody leadership, service, and scholarly excellence, and this immense honor is a testament to Adedoja’s full personal and academic tenure at Harvard.
In May, we honored this year’s Centennial Medalists and celebrated their outstanding contributions to society—contributions rooted in their graduate education and experience at Harvard Griffin GSAS. Lorraine Daston, PhD ’79; Jim Yong Kim, PhD ’93; Russell Lande, PhD ’76; and Mary Beth Norton, PhD ’69, were introduced and acknowledged through a series of personal, heartfelt anecdotes that recognized their achievements. I encourage you to learn more about their journeys (page 20).
As an alum, your engagement and perspective are valued and encourage us in our efforts to adapt and thrive as a School. Now, more than ever, thank you for championing the academic excellence of Harvard Griffin GSAS.
—Emma Dench, Dean of Harvard Griffin GSAS
