GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Simon's Rock alum Dr. Eric Huang, general manager and chief scientific officer of Moderna Genomics, will address the graduates at the 54th commencement ceremony of Bard College at Simon's Rock on Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. 

 

The ceremony will be held in person and will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person.

 

Huang received his associate's degree in 1988 from Simon's Rock before earning his bachelor's degree from Emory University. He went on to receive his doctorate in molecular and medical parasitology from New York School of Medicine and his master of business administration from Boston University. 

 

A seasoned scientific executive, he has been dedicated to discovering novel treatments that transform patients' lives. Huang spearheads strategies and directs a world-class science team at Moderna Genomics with the goal of building a technology platform that can design curative mRNA medicines for genetic diseases.  

 

Before leading Moderna Genomics, Huang founded and was CSO of Moderna's New Venture Labs, an incubator of top scientists who explored novel applications of mRNA technology. Here, he led the creation of Moderna's infectious disease vaccine platform — the platform used for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. 

 

"We're so honored to have Dr. Eric Huang as our commencement speaker this year," said Provost John B. Weinstein. "Since graduating from Simon's Rock, Eric's work has been a prime example of what our students can achieve and the good they can bring to the world. With his innovative and necessary work during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, I know Eric inspires all of us here at Simon's Rock."

 

Simon's Rock looks forward to honoring this year's graduating students. Read more details about the commencement here.