Under Steinberg, the Institute hired its first Core Faculty: Institute Professor Jier Huang (with a joint appointment to Chemistry), Institute Professor of Climate Science and Society Yi Ming (Earth & Environmental Sciences), Institute Professor Edson Severnini (Economics), and Institute Professor of Global Sustainability Hanqin Tian (EE&S).
In its academic role, the Institute helped launch the Global Public Health and the Common Good minor in 2019, followed by a Global Public Health major in partnership with the Connell School of Nursing in 2022. The Institute is also home to the Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability, directed by Tian.
“Laura Steinberg and her team ably guided the Schiller Institute through its first six years, cultivating a culture of collaboration, hiring expert faculty in critical areas, and bringing the Institute’s founding vision to life,” said Quigley. “The Institute is well launched, and [DeLuca Professor and Vice Provost for Research and Academic Planning] Tom Chiles and I look forward to working with Professor Wang to begin to chart the Institute’s further development.”
Wang will be tasked with undertaking a strategic planning process this year to examine the need for new education and training programs in the areas of undergraduate and graduate education, as well as programs to support post-doctoral researchers, Chiles said.
Chiles said the Institute will significantly expand its research footprint, continue to cultivate interdisciplinary research, deepen community and industry partnerships, and foster an environment where bold ideas flourish and translate into real-world solutions for a better future.
“Professor Wang’s exceptional leadership in the Chemistry Department, in energy research, and his proven track record in teaching and mentoring Boston College students uniquely qualify him to lead the Schiller Institute at this time,” Chiles said. “Dunwei brings a powerful vision and a collaborative spirit to this role, and he will help to continue positioning the Institute to make a significant impact on a global stage.”
The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society is the centerpiece of a 150,000 square-foot science facility that opened in early 2022. Named in honor of BC Trustee Associate Phil Schiller ’82 and his wife Kim Gassett-Schiller through their multi-year lead gift, the Institute addresses critical issues in the areas of energy, health, and the environment.
The Seidner executive directorship was made possible through a gift from BC Trustee Marc Seidner ’88, chief investment officer for non-traditional strategies, and a managing director of Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO), and his family.