S. Allen Counter

Samuel Allen Counter Jr

S. Allen Counter (July 8, 1944 – July 12, 2017) was an American neurobiologist, explorer, and educator. He was a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and the founding director of the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations.

Early Life and Education

Counter was born in Americus, Georgia. He earned his bachelor's degree in biology from Tennessee State University and later received his Ph.D. in neurobiology from Case Western Reserve University. He also held a Doctor of Medical Science degree from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden.

Career

Counter joined the faculty of Harvard University in 1970. He was a prominent figure in the field of neurobiology, focusing on the effects of environmental toxins on the nervous system. His research contributed significantly to the understanding of how lead poisoning affects the brain.

Harvard Foundation

In 1981, Counter founded the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, an organization dedicated to improving intercultural understanding and fostering a sense of community among Harvard's diverse student body. Under his leadership, the foundation initiated numerous programs and events that celebrated cultural diversity and promoted racial harmony.

Exploration

Counter was also an accomplished explorer. He conducted several expeditions to the Arctic and South America. In 1986, he made headlines when he discovered the descendants of Matthew Henson and Robert Peary in Greenland. His work in the Arctic earned him recognition from various scientific and cultural organizations.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Counter received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and education. These included the National Science Foundation's Antarctic Service Medal and the NAACP's Image Award.

Personal Life

Counter was married and had two children. He passed away on July 12, 2017, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Legacy

Counter's legacy lives on through his contributions to neurobiology, his efforts to promote intercultural understanding, and his adventurous spirit as an explorer. The Harvard Foundation continues to honor his vision by fostering a more inclusive and respectful community at Harvard University.

See Also

• Neurobiology
• Harvard Medical School
• Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations
• Matthew Henson
• Robert Peary