Jianming Yu PhD '98Jianming Yu PhD '98 describes his time at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) as four years of 12-hour days, studying and working late in the labs. And every minute inspired him. “I was elated by the buzz,” says Yu. “Harvard opened a whole new world to me—when I was working alongside the most prominent biologists, it dawned on me that together we could make a difference.” 

After earning a PhD in biological sciences in public health, Yu became an investor and entrepreneur in the life sciences. He credits GSAS for helping to strengthen his analytical skills, systematic thinking, and communications capabilities. “GSAS provided me with the best academic training and prepared me very well for my career development,” says Yu.

Yu went on to work for McKinsey as a consultant and cofounded New Horizon Capital, a private equity firm that acquires companies specializing in a variety of sectors, from mining in Russia to medical devices in Boston.

In gratitude for his GSAS experience, Yu has established the Jianming Yu Dean's Fund for Professional Development. He hopes the fund will increase access to professional conferences, workshops, and training for students as they build proficiency in their fields and prepare to launch careers when they graduate.

“The GSAS professional development program has been thoughtfully designed to address the needs of graduate students,” says Yu.

“I would like to ensure that more GSAS students, younger versions of me, enjoy their time at Harvard and have free access to as many resources the school and our alumni network can provide.” 

He believes professional development for students elevates Harvard’s influence in academia and assures that GSAS stays competitive in attracting the best graduate students. 

“I would like to pass on a legacy to younger generations so that Harvard could grow from strength to strength,” says Yu, who now lives in Beijing, China, with his wife and two children. “I am very proud to do my bit for the bigger cause at Harvard: to advance human knowledge.”

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