News
.Back to listing
Fri, May 19
Congratulations, Class of 2023!
Join us as we celebrate our graduate and undergraduate students who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of knowledge in service to society. Faculty and family gathered in Gross Hall on commencement weekend to celebrate their remarkable achievements, dedication, and resilience in reaching this significant milestone in their academic journey. In the face of unprecedented global circumstances, they demonstrated remarkable adaptability, creativity, and perseverance in advancing the responsible use of science and technology for humanity.
During her opening remarks, Science & Society Director Nita Farahany reminded the graduates that they are not just recipients of knowledge, but knowledge creators as well.
“You have the ability to shape our digital future to ensure that it is one that values fairness, inclusivity, and dignity for all individuals,” said Farahany. “This afternoon, we celebrate not just your academic accomplishments, but also your resilience, your commitment to societal good, and your potential to shape the future.”
Graduates will go on to myriad industries, each grappling with difficult and unique questions that are no longer the stuff of science fiction movies, narratives, and literature. They will affect immediate issues that define the ethical boundaries of the use artificial intelligence in healthcare, the justice system, and practically every other aspect of society. They will confront issues in end-of-life care when the very definition of death is in flux. They will grapple with issues in gene-editing, brain data privacy, and not least, climate policy. Together with fellow citizens, subject-matter experts, and policymakers worldwide, these graduates will guide the future with a mind toward maximizing society’s benefits.
To our Bioethics / Tech Ethics and Policy Masters graduates, you have become experts in navigating the intricate web of ethical considerations and policy challenges that arise in today’s rapidly evolving world. You now possess the cross-disciplinary knowledge and expertise to confront the ethical quandaries that arise from groundbreaking scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Bridie Hamilton MA’23, Receives the 2023 Student Leadership Award
For the first time since the graduate program’s inception in 2014, Science and Society recognized a Bioethics and Science Policy master’s student who demonstrated academic leadership, elevated classroom discourse, and selflessly supported other students in the MA cohort. Master’s students elected to recognize Bridie Hamilton for the 2023 Student Leadership Award.
“Bridie, thank you for your dedication and contributions to our program and to your peers!” remarked classmate Avery Freeman, MA ’23, as she presented the award.
To our undergraduate certificate students, today marks the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and personal growth. Those of you graduating with a Science and the Public certificate are empowered to understand the social, legal, historical, and policy issues stemming from research and technological advances in both basic and applied science.
Digital Intelligence certificate holders, you are now equipped with broad foundational knowledge in computational technologies and their relationship to society. Your training positions you to lead in a rapidly evolving technological future where society and those who govern often lag in response to intended and unintended consequences. You leave Duke University as well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead. We eagerly anticipate the impact you will make in your respective fields!
Jump to a list of all graduates below
Dr. Nia Johnson Receives the 2023 Faculty and Staff Leadership Award
Science and Society also recognized a member of our faculty who provided exceptional leadership in and outside the classroom. Master’s students elected Dr. Nia Johnson for the Faculty and Staff Leadership Award.
Johnson joined Science & Society and the Duke Law School in 2022. Her scholarship lies at the intersection of health policy, bioethics, race, and the law where she studies implicit biases and explicit discrimination in the delivery of healthcare throughout the United States.
Johnson’s presence and dedication to her students creates an inclusive and supportive environment that nurtures growth and encourages collaboration. She fosters a strong sense of belonging among the graduate student cohort, allowing them to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Science & Society extends our warmest congratulations to each and every one of our graduates. May you continue to shine brightly, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
List of Graduates
Master of Arts in Bioethics & Science Policy
| James Beauregard ‘22 Kristi Boyd ’22 Meyra Defne Çoban ‘23 Paige Crane ’22 Amal Dadi ‘22 Avery Freeman ’23 |
Bridie Hamilton ‘23 Tahlia Rachel Harrison ’22 Anders Liman ‘22 James Isaac Loy ’22 Matt Martin ‘22 Victoria Matthews ’22 Nora Mayer ‘22 |
Kenna McRae ‘22 Hannah Moore ‘23 Matt Murphy ‘22 Joseph O’Brien ‘22 Pranathi Rao ‘22 Sharan Sawlani ’22 |
Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Bioethics & Science Policy
| Nathan Gray ‘23 | Doo H. Lee ‘23 | Flora Sheppard ‘23 |
Concurrent Degree (PhD)
| Khairunnisa Mentari Semesta ‘23 |
Ashley Williams ‘22 | Zollie Yavarow ‘22 |
Science and the Public Certificate
|
Brooke Bier ‘23 Carrigan Price ’23 |
Luke Schwartz ‘23 Alyssa Lynne Shi ’23 |
Devan Wainright ‘23 Audra Whithaus ’23 |
Digital Intelligence Certificate
| Margaret Brooks ‘23 | Jacob Green ‘23 | Daniela Trejo ‘23 |