Robert Yuan, Professor, Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics (1999-2000)

Dr. Robert Yuan seeks to challenge the general view that racial, gender, and ethnic diversity are not relevant to science and technology. His Diversity Initiative award had two major components. The first was the development of case studies by student teams that examined how biology is used to solve major problems in developing countries. These case studies were incorporated into a Diversity Notebook. Such approaches required that students in the sciences expand their understanding of indigenous cultures and mores. Second, and equally important, Dr. Yuan’s course offered students an opportunity to “practice” diversity by working in teams mixed by gender, race/ethnicity and academic major.