Dr. Andrea Taylor Named Lasker Award Honoree

The award is one of the two most prestigious professional honors bestowed annually by the American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AABA). As described in her nomination packet, Dr. Taylor “has been the driving force behind some of the most important culture changes of the AABA.”

Gabriel Lasker is well known for his scholarly influence in biological anthropology and for his lifetime of service to the AABA. It’s nearly impossible for anyone in the field not to have felt his influence. To be considered among such a giant in the field was an honor for Dr. Taylor.

“What makes the Lasker Service Award so meaningful for me is that this award is given in the name of an individual who played such an important role in paving the way for making our association and our profession more diverse, more equitable, more inclusive; meaning, better for science and for those contributing to it,” Dr. Taylor said.

College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean Dr. Tami Hendriksz lauded the choice of Dr. Taylor for this honor.

“Dr. Andrea Taylor is very deserving of this honorable recognition. She is a role model to educators and learners who strive to create and be part of inclusive workplace and learning environments,” Dr. Hendriksz said. “Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine is very fortunate to have Dr. Taylor as a dedicated and beloved faculty member.

Dr. Taylor teaches anatomy and runs a research lab at Touro. She is dedicated to helping foster an inclusive campus environment, one that embraces diversity, in which every member of the community is respected.

“This work has been particularly meaningful to me as harassment in all its forms is rampant in academia but is particularly aimed at women and underrepresented minorities,” she said.

Dr. Taylor is appreciative of the recognition of her service, but also acknowledges the efforts of those who helped pave the way for her academic career and service opportunities.

“I believe in paying it forward. I do it because those in leadership have entrusted me to carry out this work. But most of all I do it because empowering others is incredibly important,” Dr. Taylor said. “It is truly a privilege to be able to serve an association that has given so much to me, both professionally and personally. To be recognized for this work with The Gabriel W. Lasker award is an incredible honor.”