Evelynn Maxine HammondsView profile
Professor
Evelynn Maxine Hammonds is the Barbara Gutmann Rosenkrantz Professor of the History of Science and Professor of African and African-American Studies at Harvard University. She previously served as Dean of Harvard College from 2008 to 2013, becoming the first African-American and first woman to head the college. Her academic career spans institutions including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Georgia Tech, with research focusing on the intersections of race, gender, science and medicine. Dr. Hammonds' educational background reflects her interdisciplinary approach: Bachelor of Science in Physics from Spelman College Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology Master of Science in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD in History of Science from Harvard University Professor Hammonds' research explores the complex intersections of race, gender, and science throughout American history. Her work critically examines how scientific and medical practices have constructed racial categories and shaped health outcomes, particularly for African Americans. She has made significant contributions to understanding the historical roots of contemporary health disparities and the role of race in genomic research. Her scholarship also addresses Black feminist theory, particularly focusing on the historical silencing of Black female sexuality and its implications for contemporary health issues including HIV/AIDS. Analysis of Professor Hammonds' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the ethical and social implications of race in science and medicine. Her work increasingly addresses contemporary genomic research while maintaining historical perspective, examining how historical racial classifications continue to influence modern scientific practice. She has become a leading voice in critiquing the use of racial categories in medical practice and genomic research, advocating for more nuanced approaches that recognize both biological variation and social construction of race. Professor Hammonds has received numerous prestigious honors recognizing her scholarly contributions: President of the History of Science Society (2024-2025) Elected member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2021) Namesake of the Harvard LGBTQ Students' "Evelynn Hammonds Award for Exceptional Service to BGLTQ+ Inclusion" (2021) Election to the Bates College Board of Trustees (2018) Appointment to the National Academies' Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine (2017) History of Science Society Distinguished Lecturer (2016) Founder's Award from Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice (2014) Throughout her career, Professor Hammonds has been deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scholars, particularly women and people of color in STEM and humanities fields. She founded MIT's Center for the Study of Diversity in Science, Technology, and Medicine and helped organize the first national academic conference for Black female scholars, "Black Women in the Academy: Defending Our Name 1894-1994." Her leadership extends to significant institutional roles, including serving as Harvard's first senior vice provost for Faculty Development and Diversity before becoming Dean of Harvard College. Professor Hammonds' scholarly impact extends beyond traditional academic settings through her engagement with policy and public discourse. She has served on national committees addressing diversity in science and has been a vocal advocate for more inclusive scientific practices. Her work continues to shape conversations about race, science, and medicine in both academic and public spheres.
