Melinda Bonnie Fagan is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Utah, holding the Sterling M. McMurrin Chair. Her research focuses on experimental practice in biology, particularly stem cell and developmental biology, explanation in science, and philosophical conceptions of objectivity and evidence. Education: B.A. in Biology (Williams College, 1992), M.A. in Philosophy (University of Texas at Austin, 2002), Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Stanford University, 1998), Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science (Indiana University, 2007) Her work explores the intersection of philosophy of science, epistemology, and the history of science, with a particular emphasis on the role of values in scientific practice. She has authored numerous publications on stem cell biology, systems biology, and the philosophical implications of scientific modeling. Her recent projects include analyzing interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research and its impact on explanatory frameworks, as seen in her forthcoming book Explanatory Particularism in Scientific Practice (Oxford University Press, 2025). Scientific Awards: Career Champions Award (2020) University Research Council Faculty Fellow Award (2018) Scholar's Award (NSF, 2014) Choice Award for Outstanding Academic Titles (2014) Grants: Collaborative Explanation Grant (NSF, 2014-2015) NSF FAGAN 2014 Grant (2014-2015) She has also contributed to debates on science and values, bioethics in stem cell research, and the social organization of scientific experiments. Her teaching includes courses on Philosophy of Biology, Science and Society, Feminist Philosophy of Science, and Theory of Knowledge.












