GSAS hosts 20th annual Bouchet Conference
The Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences hosted its 20th annual Yale Bouchet Conference on Diversity and Graduate Education on April 5–6. The conference, themed “Rediscovering the Legacy of Edward A. Bouchet: A Catalyst for Historical Reckoning,” brought together scholars, educators, and students from across the nation to delve into their broad research endeavors in the humanities, social sciences, biological and biomedical sciences, applied sciences, and engineering, including issues surrounding diversity and inclusion in academia. The conference is named for Yale alumnus Edward Alexander Bouchet who, in 1876, became the first self-identified African American to earn a PhD from an American university and the sixth person ever to earn a PhD in physics in the western hemisphere.
Throughout the conference, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on diversity in graduate education and ongoing research across disciplines in universities located in all parts of the nation. The opening plenary session showcased elements of the Yale and Slavery Research Project. Many participants also had an opportunity to visit the New Haven Museum to see the Shining Light on Truth: New Haven, Yale, and Slavery exhibition. A highlight of the conference was the induction ceremony for the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, which recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and promotes diversity and excellence in doctoral education and the professoriate.
During the event, Yale president Peter Salovey also received the Bouchet Lifetime Achievement Award. Salovey became only the second recipient of this prestigious award since the conference’s inception in 2004. The award recognizes his significant contributions to academia and the global community.
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