Alumni & People

curation of alumni people, faculty and student profiles

Conan O’Brien in a dark suit and light shirt, smiling and posing with hands clasped.

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

The comedian, host, and 1985 graduate will deliver remarks at the May 28 ceremony. 

by Schuyler Velasco

Green landscape with path in foreground leading to a pond and grassy open area.

Harvard's Landscape Architect Bas Smets on Cooling Cities

Bas Smets harnesses nature to cool cities.

by Max J. Krupnick

David Gruber on the North Shore of Massachusetts

Harvard Researchers on Speaking to Whales

Project CETI’s pioneering effort to unlock the language of sperm whales

by Jonathan Shaw

Photograph of Centennial Medalists Martin Duberman, Myra Marx Ferree, Joan Argetsinger, and Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr.

Harvard Centennial Medalists

Four alumni recognized for work

Harvard Cambridge Scholars

Studying abroad 

A woman in a blue shirt smiling.

Harvard Philosophy Professor Alison Simmons on "Being a Minded Thing"

A philosopher on perception, the canon, and being “a minded thing” 

by Nina Pasquini

Sasha the University police community engagement dog wearing Commencement regalia

What Do Graduates at Harvard Really Want in 2024?

Seniors’ work plans, Sasha stylin’, reunion sonnet, and more

Conceptual illustration of two human heads in outline, one filled with disconnected blocks, the other with random images.

How Schizophrenia Resembles the Aging Brain

The search for schizophrenia’s biological basis reveals an unexpected link to cellular changes seen in aging brains.

by Ann Thomas

Illustration depicting a balance scale with a football player on one side and a doctor on the other.

Relabeling Medical Definitions for Obesity in the United States

For obesity patients, improved treatments and a nuanced understanding of the disease may lead to better health.

by Chris Berdik

Oval black and white image of Frederick Douglas with gold frame around image

American Citizenship Through Photography

How photographs promote social justice

by Nina Pasquini

Letters from our readers

Climate change, COVID-19, housing inequity