In return to Central, former student reflects on journey to Harvard professor
Katie Hinde, Ph.D., Harvard professor, acclaimed scientist and former Seattle Central student, returned to campus Jan. 15, 2015, to reflect on her journey in two special presentations. They centered on her formative experiences at Central that helped her launch a successful career as a female scientist. She also spoke about her cutting edge biology research, sexual harassment in the sciences, and much more. Afterward students were given the opportunity to ask questions.
“I know that a huge part of my motivation to pursue social change came from the quarters I spent here at Seattle Central,” said Hinde, while reflecting on the impact her research on sexual assault has had in the past year.
One of Seattle Central College’s most notable alumni, Hinde began her studies at Seattle Central, first as a Running Start student, and then in the College Transfer program, where she developed a passion for Anthropology. She then transferred to the University of Washington, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s in Anthropology. She later earned master’s and doctoral degrees in the same field from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed her post-doctoral training at the California National Primate Research Center at the University of California, Davis.
Hinde is now a professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, where she directs the Comparative Lactation Lab, conducting cutting-edge research on mammal lactation. Specifically, she explores how variations in mothers’ milk and behavioral care influence infants into adulthood, which has been published in National Geographic, The New York Times and prestigious academic journals. She also recently completed a groundbreaking study of sexual harassment and assault of students at STEM field sites, which yielded one of the most discussed articles of 2014.
“Katie’s journey and growth have been nothing short of incredible,” said President Paul T. Killpatrick, Ph.D. “We are so proud of what she has accomplished, both here and in her career. Students and others are sure to gain a lot of important insights from her inspiring story.”
Did you miss Katie last month? Watch her inspiring presentation.