Endowed fellowship opens doors and honors inspiring mentorship

Pictured above: Drs. Bert Eshaghpour, Donald Crothers, and Jiu H. Wang

Yale graduate students make groundbreaking research possible through their inquiries, collaborations with faculty, and teaching. In our labs and classrooms, they design and conduct experiments, discover new knowledge, and prepare for leadership roles in academia, government, business, and society.

Recognizing the vital contributions of doctoral scholars, Bert Eshaghpour ’79 PhD and Jacqueline Eshaghpour endowed a graduate fellowship fund to benefit students from China studying the physical or biological sciences. In addition to providing critical support for graduate students and their transformative research, this fellowship honors the legacies of Professors Jui H. Wang and Donald Crothers.

Eshaghpour met Professor Wang while an undergraduate at the University at Buffalo. “He was the first person to encourage me to pursue doctoral education,” says Eshaghpour. A former professor of chemistry and molecular biophysics at Yale, Wang knew the strengths of the chemistry department and advocated for Eshaghpour to continue his education there. 

As a doctoral student, Eshaghpour’s research questions and knowledge of the field were shaped by Professor Crothers, Sterling Professor of Chemistry. The research Eshaghpour conducted with Crothers formed the foundation of his career and establishing his own company, but equally important, he gained a mentor whose support would span decades. “The strength of our community lies not only in academic pursuits but also in the connections and friendships that form here,” says Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dean Lynn Cooley. 

By establishing the Professors Jui H. Wang & Donald Crothers Physical and Biological Sciences Fellowship, Bert Eshaghpour has opened doors for the next generation of student-scientists creating discoveries and knowledge that advance humanity.

Eliminating Boundaries

At the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, students and faculty members seek answers to challenging questions. They expand the sum of knowledge, even as they prepare for careers in academia, industry, policy, and service. Giving in support of fellowships, research opportunities, and community life positions these students for success.

For Humanity - The Yale Campaign

For more information, contact Mark Donovan, Director of Development and Alumni Relations.