Dublin Core
Title
Black Excellence Oral History with Scott Edwards, July 7, 2021 (Ms2024-072)
Subject
Description
Scott Edwards, raised in Colorado Springs and New York City, developed an early interest in natural history and birds. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy for high school and went on to Harvard University, initially studying the history of science before switching to biology. After a transformative gap year, he committed to ornithology, leading him to pursue it for a further education. Edwards pursued graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, supported by a National Science Foundation fellowship, conducting significant field research in New Guinea and Australia, and later completed a postdoc at the University of Florida focusing on MHC genes in birds.
Edwards' academic career includes faculty positions at the University of Washington and Harvard University, where he has contributed significantly to evolutionary biology. He emphasizes a balanced approach to teaching, research, and outreach, particularly through programs aimed at increasing diversity in science. Notable achievements include leading a groundbreaking project on the genetic basis of flight loss in birds, published in Science. Throughout the interview, Edwards highlights the importance of mentorship and following one's passion, encouraging students of color to pursue their interests and build supportive networks despite systemic challenges in academia.
Edwards' academic career includes faculty positions at the University of Washington and Harvard University, where he has contributed significantly to evolutionary biology. He emphasizes a balanced approach to teaching, research, and outreach, particularly through programs aimed at increasing diversity in science. Notable achievements include leading a groundbreaking project on the genetic basis of flight loss in birds, published in Science. Throughout the interview, Edwards highlights the importance of mentorship and following one's passion, encouraging students of color to pursue their interests and build supportive networks despite systemic challenges in academia.
Date
Type
Identifier
Ms2024-072_ScottEdwards