FIELD OF STUDY: Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics, Genetics, Developmental and Evolutionary Biology
AFFILIATED INSTITUTIONS OF WORK:
- Columbia University
- University of California, Berkeley
ACTIVE RESEARCH ERA: 21st century
RELATED PRINCETON COURSES:
- MOL 348
- MOL 514
- PSY332
Background, early life, and outside interests:
Serano is a researcher in the fields of genetics, evolution and developmental biology and studies the developmental gene family, Hox.
In addition to her scientific research, Dr. Serano is an activist who writes, performs, creates music, public speaks, and does spoken-word. Thus, she is able to approach a lot of her work through a very intersectional lens and has many areas of expertise.
Notable Achievements:
Dr. Serano is known for her activism supporting the trans community and for how she combines her expertise in biological sciences with creative expression and activism. She is also well-known for a critique she wrote of Dr. Lisa Littman's paper on "Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria." Dr. Serano was an active researcher in genetics and developmental and evolutionary biology for 17 years at UC Berkeley before deciding to focus more on writing, performing, and art.
Advice for Students:
[Julie Lebey] interviewed Dr. Serano for a class podcast for PSY332 (Sex and Gender Diversity). When asked what advice she has for students interested in similar topics to her at the end of the podcast, Dr. Serano recommended reading a lot of books on topics related to trans youth and the transgender community.
Citations:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Serano
Nominated by: Julie Levey @juliehlevey