Harvard-educated neurobiologist Amy Bishop accused of murder, and other news

Our news roundup includes articles on an online dating service founded by alums; a four-time Olympian in women's ice hockey; and a Harvard-educated neurobiologist accused of murder.

National media outlets have been covering the grim story of a University of Alabama neurobiologist who allegedly shot and killed three of her colleagues during a faculty meeting last week. Amy Bishop, Ph.D. ’93, fatally shot her own brother in 1986—his death was ruled accidental—and was questioned in 1993 after Paul Rosenberg, then her colleague at Harvard Medical School and Children's Hospital Boston, received a pipe bomb at his Newton home.

In happier news, Angela Ruggiero ’04 is skating for the U.S. women's ice hockey team in her fourth Olympic Games this year; the team defeated China in its first match on Valentine's Day. Between these competitions, Ruggiero has worked in nonprofits, including one that fosters the sport of hockey in China; she is considering hanging up her skates after this year's contest, but hasn't decided for certain, she told the New York Times.

Also over Valentine's Day weekend, the New York Times wrote about OkCupid, an online dating site founded by Sam Yagan ’99 (quoted in the article) and three other Harvard alumni. The site has been getting attention with its unusual approach of evaluating what profile features—for example, a photo with a smile, or no smile?—seem to increase the chances of a successful  match, and posting its findings on a blog.

You might also like

Boston Board Approves Harvard’s Enterprise Research Campus Framework

City planners adopt principles to guide future development of the commercial innovation district in Allston.

At Harvard, Mitt Romney Warns Against ‘Authoritarian’ Presidential Power

The former senator touched on polarization, tech governance, and diplomacy during a conversation at the Institute of Politics.

Harvard Answers Government Admissions Lawsuit

In a separate case, the Trump administration outlines its argument for the federal funding freeze. 

Most popular

How physical appearance influences authority

Cherubic features benefit black male CEOs, but not other groups, underscoring the complexity of social disadvantage.

A Right Way to Teach Reading?

The science, art, and politics of teaching an essential skill

At Harvard Talk, Retired Supreme Court Justice Breyer Defends Shadow Docket

The current law professor also spoke about affirmative action, partisanship, and the limits of “bright-line rules.”

Explore More From Current Issue

A man holding a revolver and lantern, wearing a hat and coat, appears to be walking cautiously.

Scoundrels, Then and Now

On con men, Mark Twain, and the powers of the Harvard name

Three joyful graduates in caps and gowns celebrate together outdoors.

Commencement Week Events

Harvard Commencement Events 2026

A woman in glasses gestures while speaking to two attentive listeners at a table.

How to Cook with Wild Plants

From wild greens spanakopita to rose petal panna cotta, forager and chef Ellen Zachos makes one-of-a-kind meals.