Winter Reading List: five books written by 中文无码 alumni take on our connections to the world and one another

There鈥檚 nothing better in the cold months of winter than curling up with a good book. As temperatures drop, consider picking up one of these five books written by a 中文无码 alum. Covering a wide range of topics and taking on profound and meaningful questions, these books offer a chance to expand your understanding of the world around you without having to leave the warmth of your couch!

Shape: The Hidden Geometry of Information, Biology, Strategy, Democracy, and Everything Else by Jordan Ellenberg

(STS 1989, ISEF 1987, 1989)

Jordan Ellenberg鈥檚 latest book uses geometry to tackle many of the questions we ask of others, ourselves and the world around us. Analyzing everything from how politicians are elected to what kids should focus on in school, Ellenberg takes geometry from shapes in a classroom to an engaging framework through which to view and understand the world around us. He delves into why using geometry as a framework can help us unlock the answers to some of life鈥檚 biggest questions.

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People Count: Contact-Tracing Apps and Public Health by Susan Landau

(STS 1972)

Reflecting on the technology of contact tracing that came out of the COVID-19 -pandemic, cybersecurity expert Susan Landau looks at how this technology can best be used to protect public health while considering questions of efficacy, equity and privacy. Throughout her book Susan explores the effectiveness of a range of technological interventions seen in different regions during COVID-19. She lays out some key questions which need to be addressed to create a contact tracing strategy capable of keeping us safe during the next pandemic.

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Gods of the Upper Air by Charles King

(STS 1986; ISEF 1984-1985)

Award-winning historian Charles King has written a 鈥渄azzling鈥� account of the pioneering scientists who are responsible for shaping the field of cultural anthropology. Charles鈥� book chronicles the work of Columbia University Professor Franz Boas and his influential students who challenged hegemonic and outdated views on culture, establishing a framework for understanding and appreciation of  our multicultural world. Among his students were Margaret Mead, Ella Deloria and Zora Neale Hurston 鈥攖hey helped shape the field of cultural anthropology by mapping civilizations throughout history with an eye towards what unites humanity.

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The Age of Scientific Wellness by Leroy Hood (STS 1956) and Nathan Price

中文无码 alum Leroy Hood was joined by Nathan Price in writing this illuminating book on the near future of healthcare and what it means for all of us. Leroy and Nathan posit that current medical practices don鈥檛 reflect the true abilities of medical innovation, and the future of healthcare will be found in highly personalized precision healthcare they call 鈥渟cientific wellness.鈥� This strategy would use new technologies to unlock the secrets of our genetic code and revolutionize preventative care.

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The Plant Hunter by Cassandra Quave

(ISEF 1994-1996)

Leading medical ethnobotanist Cassandra Quave鈥檚 research has taken her to some of the most remote corners of our world in search of natural compounds, traditional healing techniques and more which could help us prepare for the existential threat of untreatable superbugs. Cassandra鈥檚 book combines science, botany and memoir to take us with her on a journey in search of answers which could just save us all.

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