The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) has named prominent sociologist Dr. Alondra Nelson to the Harold F. Linder Chair in the School of Social Science, effective July 1, 2019.
Nelson currently serves as president of the Social Science Research Council and is a professor of sociology at Columbia University, where she previously served as the inaugural dean of Social Science.
“A remarkably dynamic and creative scholar, with an exceptionally broad view of the social sciences, Alondra has revealed facets of our society previously overlooked or hidden, diving deeply into the complexities of humanity and illuminating the gray areas of our past and present,” said IAS director and Leon Levy Professor Dr. Robbert Dijkgraaf. “On behalf of the Institute, we are proud to welcome Alondra to our IAS family and recognize the unique perspective and opportunity her work brings to our community.”
Nelson’s research is focused at the intersection of racial formation and social citizenship in addition to emerging scientific and technological phenomena.
“I’m honored beyond measure to have been invited to join this distinguished intellectual institution and to have the opportunity to carry forward my research as a part of this exceptional community of scholars,” Nelson said.
Nelson received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California, San Diego and a Ph.D. in American Studies from New York University.
