KEANmag
9
Scientists on Call
Kean University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Jeffrey H.
Toney, Ph.D., is at the forefront of a new field of study – Science and Human
Rights. In 2009, inspired by Kean’s annual Human Rights Conference, Toney
joined the newly formed Science and Human Rights Coalition, through
the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The
Coalition is comprised of a group of scientists and engineers who dedicate
their training, experience, and methods to help solve human rights issues
around the world.
“My background was as a professional scientist,” said Toney, who is a
chemist. “At the time, I really knew nothing about human rights as an area
of study that someone with my background could get involved in.”
As a member of the Coalition’s steering committee, Toney now helps guide
the organization’s future, and he is deeply involved on the education
side of its efforts. He worked on a committee that created an extensive
bibliography of the literature that connects science and engineering with
human rights.
“Basically, we are curating research about what is now an emerging field of
research. Ten years ago, this didn’t even exist,” said Toney.
A wide range of course syllabi has been developed to teach science and
engineering through the lens of human rights, using case studies and real-
world situations. These syllabi have been used in classrooms at Kean and
elsewhere.
Another of Toney’s initiatives is an annual student essay and poster
competition in Washington, D.C. Kean alumna Lina Caswell, M.A.’16, of
Boonton attended one of the conferences and took third place in the
poster contest.
“It was a great opportunity for students like me. They had amazing,
amazing speakers,” said Caswell. “I also had the opportunity to present my
ideas and hear from other students across the country.”
With thebackingof theAAAS– the largest professional scienceorganization
in the world – the Science and Human Rights Coalition has grown. Today,
there are more than a half-million members from approximately 23
professional organizations taking part.
“I think of the resource, having this network at our fingertips, particularly
with internship opportunities at these professional organizations,” said
Toney. “It really sparks a fire. I think about students. How can I get them
involved?”
In a related effort, AAAS has formed On-Call Scientists, who volunteer
in human rights hotspots around the world. While Toney’s work at Kean
keeps him rooted to campus, his involvement with the Science and Human
Rights Coalition continues to grow and inspire.
Connecting Science with Human Rights
Kean alumna Lina Caswell, M.A.’16, took third place in the poster contest at the
AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition Meeting in Washington, D.C.
