WGHI Leading the Way Interview Series: Karen Plaut to host discussion with Wellesley president

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – On Nov. 16, Karen Plaut, Purdue’s executive vice president of research, will host a public discussion with Paula Johnson, current president of Wellesley College. This event, “Beyond X and Y: Gender Biology and Women’s Health,” is part of the Leading the Way Interview Series run by Purdue’s Women’s Global Health Institute. The series features distinguished scientists and leaders on research, leadership, career path and barriers, and work-life balance.

During the event, Johnson will discuss gender biology and women’s health, her career path, leadership roles and overcoming barriers, as well as her insights on work-life balance. The discussion, which will take place virtually, begins at 6:30 p.m. ET.

A cardiologist, Johnson has decades of experience in the fields of academic medicine, public health and higher education. She was the first African American promoted to full professor at Harvard Medical School and to hold the position of chief medical resident at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she founded the Connors Center for Women’s Health and Gender Biology.

As the first African American president of Wellesley College, which she joined in 2016, Johnson has placed Wellesley at the forefront of STEM education for women.  

All faculty, staff, students and the public are welcome to attend this free, online event. Registration is required and can be completed at the WGHI website.