Troy Duster

Troy Duster is the Chancellor’s Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Senior Fellow at the Warren Institute on Law and Social Policy. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Northwestern University (1962), an M.A. from UCLA (1959), and a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern (1957). His career includes roles as Silver Professor at New York University (1999–2012) and Professor at UC Berkeley (1979–99), alongside leadership positions such as Director of the Institute for the Study of Social Change (1979–1997) and Chair of the Sociology Department (1985–88).

Research Interests focus on the intersection of race, genetics, criminal justice, and science policy. Key areas include the social consequences of genetic research, the ethics of DNA databases, and the historical and cultural dimensions of race. His work critiques how scientific advancements like genetic testing and forensic databases perpetuate racial disparities.

Publications span over five decades, with notable works such as Backdoor to Eugenics (2003) and Whitewashing Race (2003). His articles address topics like the misuse of genetic data, the implications of the Human Genome Project, and the sociological challenges posed by behavioral genetics.

Awards include the DuBois-Johnson-Frazier Award (2001) and a Guggenheim Fellowship (1971–72). He has advised institutions like the National Institutes of Health on ethical issues in genetics and contributed to public debates through media appearances and museum collaborations.

Professional Contributions include over 20 years on advisory boards for organizations like the National Advisory Council for the Human Genome Research and the American Sociological Association. His work bridges academia and public policy, advocating for equitable science practices and social justice.