Alondra Nelson

Alondra Nelson, OSTP Deputy Director

Alondra Nelson is an American sociologist and academic who has made significant contributions to the fields of science, technology, and society (STS), African-American studies, and sociology. She is known for her research on the intersections of race, gender, and technology.

Early Life and Education

Alondra Nelson was born in Bethesda, Maryland. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of California, San Diego. She then went on to receive her Ph.D. in American Studies from New York University.

Academic Career

Nelson began her academic career as a faculty member at Yale University, where she was an assistant professor of African-American studies and sociology. She later joined the faculty at Columbia University, where she served as a professor of sociology and the inaugural Dean of Social Science. At Columbia, she was also affiliated with the Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality.

Research and Contributions

Alondra Nelson's research focuses on the social implications of new technologies, particularly in relation to race and gender. She has explored topics such as genetic ancestry testing, biotechnology, and the digital divide. Her work has been influential in understanding how scientific and technological developments impact marginalized communities.

Notable Works

• Body and Soul: The Black Panther Party and the Fight against Medical Discrimination - This book examines the Black Panther Party's health activism and its efforts to address medical discrimination.
• The Social Life of DNA: Race, Reparations, and Reconciliation after the Genome - In this work, Nelson explores the implications of genetic ancestry testing for African Americans and the broader social and political issues it raises.

Professional Affiliations and Honors

Nelson has been a member of several professional organizations, including the American Sociological Association and the Society for Social Studies of Science. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Public Service

In addition to her academic work, Alondra Nelson has been involved in public service. She was appointed as the Deputy Director for Science and Society in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the Biden administration. In this role, she worked on issues related to science and technology policy, with a focus on equity and inclusion.

Personal Life

Alondra Nelson resides in New York City.

See Also

• Science, technology, and society
• African-American studies
• Sociology
• Genetic ancestry testing
• Black Panther Party