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

Six butterflies shown in infrared wavelengths of purple and pink colors

Butterfly wing secrets revealed in infrared

A study reveals new dimensions to their function and beauty.

by Bennett McIntosh

Photograph of downtown Yamhill, Oregon, with general store

“Tightrope,” by Kristof and WuDunn, reviewed by Allison Pugh

Americans diminished by “social poverty”

by Allison Pugh

Matthias Nahrendorf seated in front of a PET/CT scanner

Stem cell activity linked to lifestyle

Exercise attenuates stem cell production of pro-inflammatory white blood cells.

by Jonathan Shaw

Birder David Barrett pictured at Central Park

David Barrett reports on New York City’s birds

A quest to chronicle New York City’s avian community

by Nell Porter-Brown

Children play outside while a homeschooled child watches through a window

What rights do children have in homeschooling?

Elizabeth Bartholet highlights risks when parents have 24/7 authoritarian control over their children.

by Erin O’Donnell

Harvard Overseer and HAA director elections

The official 2020 slates

Frontiers

Activity tracking to identify the at-risk elderly, and China’s offshore windfarm potential 

by Jonathan Shaw

Image of sign on Adams House faculty dean residence

The College Pump

Houseboating in Boston Harbor, Apthorp North, and clothing counts

by Primus VI

Photograph of Susan Murphy

Susan Murphy

Portrait of a hockey-playing statistician—from Louisiana

by Lydialyle Gibson

Harvard students in caps and gowns enjoying Commencement

Harvard’s Virtual Commencement

Harvard’s 369th Commencement goes virtual.