View source for Biography:Robert Pollack (biologist)

{{short description|American biologist|bot=PearBOT 5}}

{{Infobox scientist
| name              = Robert Pollack
| image             = Robert E. Pollack, 1982.jpg
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| alt               = 
| caption           = Sep 1982
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1940|09|02}}
| birth_place       = New York City, US
| death_date        = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place       = 
| fields            = [[Biology:Biology|Biology]]
| workplaces        = [[Organization:Stony Brook University|Stony Brook University]], [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]]
| alma_mater        = Columbia College (BA), [[Organization:Brandeis University|Brandeis University]] (PhD)
| doctoral_advisor  = 
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| signature         = <!--(filename only)-->
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| website           = https://scienceandsociety.columbia.edu/directory/robert-e-pollack
}}

'''Robert Elliot Pollack''' (born September 2, 1940) is an American academic, administrator, biologist, and philosopher, who served as a long-time [[Biologist|Professor of Biological Sciences]] at [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]]. 

Born in Brooklyn, Pollack earned a Bachelor of Arts in physics at Columbia College in 1961. He received a PhD in Biological Sciences from [[Organization:Brandeis University|Brandeis University]] in 1966, and subsequently was a postdoctoral Fellow in Pathology at NYU Langone Health and the Weizmann Institute of Science. He was a senior staff scientist at [[Organization:Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory|Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory]] for nearly a decade, before becoming Associate Professor of Microbiology at Stony Brook University in 1975. He returned to [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] as a Professor of Biological Sciences in 1978. He served as Dean of Columbia College from 1982 to 1989. He founded the Center for the Study of Science and Religion (CSSR) in 1999, dedicated to exploring the intersection between faith and science. He served as Director of the [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] [http://universityseminars.columbia.edu/ University Seminars] from 2011 to 2019. He retired as Director of the CSSR, later renamed to the Research Cluster on Science and Subjectivity, in 2023. 

Pollack has been credited as the father of reversion therapy, for his observation that cancer cells infected with different types of viruses could revert to non-oncogenic phenotypes.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Telerman |first1=A |last2=Amson |first2=R |last3=Hendrix |first3=MJ |title=Tumor reversion holds promise. |journal=Oncotarget |date=August 2010 |volume=1 |issue=4 |pages=233–4 |doi=10.18632/oncotarget.131 |doi-access=free |pmid=21304173|pmc=3248106 }}</ref> Subsequently, he published nearly one hundred scientific articles related to reversion. He later became a philosopher, examining his faith with a scientific lens, and, at the same time, reinterpreting [[Religion:Relationship between religion and science|science through faith]]. Pollack has authored over 200 scientific articles, seven books, and dozens of speeches, mostly delivered at [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]]. 

As the first [[Religion:Jews|Jewish]] Dean of an Ivy League institution, Pollack faced significant fundraising challenges, the AIDS epidemic, and conflict surrounding the issue of [[Finance:Disinvestment from South Africa|South African divestment]]. Being a scientific activist, he was the first to raise concerns about [[Biology:Recombinant DNA|recombinant DNA]] technology, which eventually led to the Asilomar Conference. He also decried the corrupting relationship between scientific academia and industry and promoted scientific literacy among the general public. He set the stage for the inclusion of science in the Columbia College Core Curriculum. He ultimately converted the Research Cluster on Science and Subjectivity to an institution promoting undergraduates, encouraging a legacy of student-centered innovation. He has collaborated with and mentored many prominent scientists, including Nancy Hopkins and Bettie Steinberg. 

==Education and early life==
Robert Elliot Pollack was born on September 2, 1940, in Brooklyn, NY, growing up in the neighborhood of Seagate.<ref name="Katz2">{{cite news|last1=Katz|first1=James C.|title=Around the Quads: A life spent asking questions|date=September 1, 1982|newspaper=Columbia College Today|url=https://archive.org/details/ldpd_12981092_024/page/74/mode/2up}}</ref> His parents did not finish high school;<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pollack|first1=Robert|title=Commemoration of Robert Belknap|website=Columbia University - Department of Biological Sciences|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/pdf-files/faculty/pollack/2014%20Belknap.pdf}}</ref> his father ran a factory, manufacturing cardboard boxes.<ref name="Katz2" /> He attended Abraham Lincoln High School and studied at Columbia College, graduating in 1961 with a [[Physics:Physics|physics]] major.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Gelder|first1=Lawrence Van|title=STUDY OF LIFE LEADS TO LIFE AS DEAN|date=October 2, 1983|newspaper=New York Times|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/424798602|id={{ProQuest|424798602}} }}</ref> While at Columbia, he was a member of Jester Magazine<ref>{{cite news|title=Elect Paul Nagano New Jester Head|date=April 13, 1959|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19590413-01.2.7&srpos=128&e=-------en-20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-Robert+Pollack------}}</ref> and Columbia Daily Spectator.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Supplement|date=November 18, 1960|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19601118-02.2.1&srpos=132&e=-------en-20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-Robert+Pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Supplement|date=December 13, 1960|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19601219-02.2.1&srpos=134&e=-------en-20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-Robert+Pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Supplement|date=February 17, 1961|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19610217-02.2.1&srpos=135&e=-------en-20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-Robert+Pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Supplement|date=March 16, 1961|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19610316-02.2.8&srpos=136&e=-------en-20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-Robert+Pollack------}}</ref> He took a freshman Core Course with Robert Belknap,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Pollack|first1=Robert|title=Commemoration of Robert Belknap|website=Columbia University - Department of Biological Sciences|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/biology/pdf-files/faculty/pollack/2014%20Belknap.pdf}}</ref> whom he later succeeded as the Director of University Seminars at [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]].<ref>{{cite web|title=
About Bob Pollack|website=WordPress|date=18 October 2013 |url=https://pollackauthors.wordpress.com/about-bob/}}</ref> His favorite professors were [[Biography:Sidney Morgenbesser|Sidney Morgenbesser]] and Richard Neustadt, who taught philosophy and government, respectively.<ref name="Katz2" /> He worked as a laboratory assistant under the direction of [[Biography:Arno Allan Penzias|Arno Penzias]], then a graduate student in the lab of [[Biography:Charles H. Townes|Charles H. Townes]].<ref name="seeing_and_knowing">{{cite web|last1=Pollack|first1=Robert|title=
Seeing and Knowing|website=Columbia Current|url=http://www.columbia-current.org/seeing-and-knowing---pollack.html}}</ref> Upon graduation, Pollack received a New York State Regents Teaching Fellowship to pursue graduate work at [[Organization:Brandeis University|Brandeis University]],<ref>{{cite news|title=71 Fellowships Won by Seniors|date=June 5, 1961|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19610605-01.1.5&e=-------en-20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-Robert+Pollack------}}</ref> examining differential expression of [[Chemistry:Leucine|leucine]] [[Biology:Transfer RNA|transfer RNA]] in different strains of [[Biology:Escherichia coli|Escherichia coli]] following [[Biology:Enterobacteria phage T2|T2]] or [[Biology:Escherichia virus T4|T4]] virus infection.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert E. |title=Changes in Leucine-Specific sRNA after Infection of E. coli by Phages T2 and T4 |journal=Journal of General Physiology |date=1 July 1966 |volume=49 |issue=6 |pages=1139–1145 |doi=10.1085/jgp.0491139|pmid=5332365 |pmc=3328318 }}</ref>

==Research==
In 1968, while working for Howard Green, Pollack published the first demonstration of reversion, a phenomenon whereby certain cancer cells demonstrated decreased growth and increased contact inhibition, thereafter being considered as reverted to a more normal non-oncogenic phenotype.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pollack |first1=R E |last2=Green |first2=H |last3=Todaro |first3=G J |title=Growth control in cultured cells: selection of sublines with increased sensitivity to contact inhibition and decreased tumor-producing ability. |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |date=May 1968 |volume=60 |issue=1 |pages=126–133 |doi=10.1073/pnas.60.1.126|pmid=4297915 |pmc=539091 |bibcode=1968PNAS...60..126P |doi-access=free }}</ref> Reversion was later suggested as a potential treatment for cancer.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Powers |first1=Scott |last2=Pollack |first2=Robert E. |title=Inducing stable reversion to achieve cancer control |journal=Nature Reviews Cancer |date=April 2016 |volume=16 |issue=4 |pages=266–270 |doi=10.1038/nrc.2016.12|pmid=27458638 |s2cid=25582297 }}</ref> Pollack's work sparked a novel subfield of oncogenic research, elucidating the distinct mechanisms directing cell reversion.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Cho |first1=Kwang-Hyun |last2=Lee |first2=Soobeom |last3=Kim |first3=Dongsan |last4=Shin |first4=Dongkwan |last5=Joo |first5=Jae Il |last6=Park |first6=Sang-Min |title=Cancer reversion, a renewed challenge in systems biology |journal=Current Opinion in Systems Biology |date=April 2017 |volume=2 |pages=49–58 |doi=10.1016/j.coisb.2017.01.005}}</ref>

==Academic Career==
===Microbiologist===
Graduating with a PhD in [[Biology:Biology|Biology]] from [[Organization:Brandeis University|Brandeis University]] in 1966, he spent sixteen years as a research scientist, completing postdoctoral work at both N.Y.U. Medical Center and the Weizmann Institute in Israel. He thereafter served as a senior scientist at [[Organization:Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory|Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory]] from 1971 to 1975, became an Associate Professor of Biology at Stonybrook University from 1975 to 1978, and finally headed his own laboratory as a full Professor of Biology at [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] from 1978 to 1994.<ref name="Katz2" />

===Dean of Columbia College===
Pollack served as [[Social:Dean (education)|Dean]] of Columbia College from 1982 to 1989.<ref>{{cite web|title=
Deans of the College|website=Columbia College|url=https://www.college.columbia.edu/about/dean/alldeans}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=METRO DATELINE; Dean of Columbia Plans To Step Down |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/04/15/nyregion/metro-dateline-dean-of-columbia-plans-to-step-down.html |work=New York Times |date=April 15, 1989}}</ref> At the time of his appointment, the College was firmly in the Sovern era, facing a severe financial crisis, student protests related to South African divestment and concerns regarding the quality of student life, following the institution of co-education and subsequently declining admissions rates.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/22/nyregion/michael-sovern-dead.html | title=Michael I. Sovern, Who Led Columbia in Eventful Era, Dies at 88 | newspaper=The New York Times | date=22 January 2020 | last1=Sandomir | first1=Richard }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pomper |first1=Miles |title=CC admissions increase more than any other Ivy |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870416-01.2.2&srpos=577&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 16, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=WIMPHEIMER |first1=AHUVA |title=Columbia examines consequences of co-education |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19970428-01.2.25&srpos=858&e=-------en-20--841-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 28, 1997}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=RUGGIERO-CORLISS |first1=ANGELA |title=Reception honors anniversary of CC coeducation |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs20090401-01.2.17&srpos=900&e=-------en-20--881-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 1, 2009}}</ref> During his tenure, he joined with the Columbia College faculty to oppose a merger with the faculties of other schools at [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Connor |first1=Tracy |title=CC profs resolve to oppose faculty merger at meeting |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19871020-01.2.3&srpos=616&e=-------en-20--601-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=October 20, 1987}}</ref> Upon his resignation, he was praised for his honesty, independence, and involvement in student affairs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hardt |first1=Robert J. |last2=Botkin |first2=Joshua |title=Columbia College Dean Robert Pollack resigns |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890413-01.2.3&srpos=748&e=-------en-20--741-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 13, 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Rachel|last2=Schultz |first2=Evan P. |title= Faculty members speculate reasons dean is resigning |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890413-01.2.4&srpos=749&e=-------en-20--741-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 13, 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaufman |first1=David|last2=Sehgal |first2=A. Cassidy|title=Student leaders criticize Pollack's record |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890413-01.2.6&srpos=751&e=-------en-20--741-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 13, 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Landau |first1=Lisa|last2=Pustilnik |first2=Alix|title=Pollack's progress |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890517-01.2.36&srpos=765&e=-------en-20--761-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=May 17, 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schultz |first1=Evan P.|title=Wouk reminisces CC experience |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890524-01.2.5&srpos=766&e=-------en-20--761-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=May 24, 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Schultz |first1=Evan P.|title= Search committee for CC Dean begins nominations |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890531-01.2.6&srpos=767&e=-------en-20--761-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=May 31, 1989}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Markowitz |first1= Murray|title=Remembering the way things were |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890531-01.2.6&srpos=767&e=-------en-20--761-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 22, 1991}}</ref>

====Academic Initiatives====
Pollack took a variety of academic stances during his tenure. At his encouragement, the faculty of the College voted to move up the pass-fail course registration deadline by one month.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schultz |first1=Evan P. |title=CC faculty votes to move pass-fail date up a month |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890227-01.2.5&e=-------en-20--721-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 27, 1989}}</ref> Pollack opposed the inclusion of [[Computer science|computer science]] in the Core Curriculum.<ref>{{cite news |last1=LoPRESTI |first1=MARY ANN |title=Comp sci requirement debated |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850320-01.2.5&e=-------en-20--381-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 20, 1985}}</ref> Pollack organized faculty committees to examine the development of additional majors in both African-American studies and gender studies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=BENDAVID |first1=NAFTALI |title=Panel weighs gender studies|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19831121-01.2.7&srpos=275&e=-------en-20--261-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=November 21, 1983}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tucker |first1=Irene |title=Group meets on black studies |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19851112-01.2.4&srpos=447&e=-------en-20--441-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=November 12, 1985}}</ref> 

Pollack supported the founding of the Rabi Scholar's cohort, named after Nobel Laureate [[Biography:Isidor Isaac Rabi|Isidor Isaac Rabi]].<ref>{{cite news|title=College Briefs|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890404-01.2.2&srpos=740&e=-------en-20--721-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------|accessdate=21 January 2024|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|date=4 April 1989}}</ref> The program is designed to encourage talented students in the sciences to attend Columbia College.<ref>{{cite news|title=Rabi Scholars Program fosters community among science students|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs20050302-01.2.4&srpos=889&e=-------en-20--881-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------|accessdate=21 January 2024|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|date=2 March 2005}}</ref> In 1989, Pollack applied for and received a one million dollar grant from the [[Organization:Howard Hughes Medical Institute|Howard Hughes Medical Institute]], aimed at enhancing undergraduate science education and community outreach, which ensured long-term financial support for the Rabi Scholars program.<ref>{{cite news|title=CU receives million dollar science grant|author=Evan Ambinder|date=31 May 1989|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19890531-01.2.7&srpos=768&e=-------en-20--761-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> Additionally, he founded the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program in the Department of Biology, funding students pursuing on-campus summer research internships.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vadino |first1=Diane |title=Undergraduate researchers present findings |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19941031-01.2.33&srpos=844&e=-------en-20--841-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=October 31, 1994}}</ref> He encouraged these students to consider careers in academic post-graduation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gat |first1=Michael |title=There is life after CC: Pollack |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19831130-01.2.13&e=-------en-20--261-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=November 30, 1983}}</ref> 

====Student Life====

Notably, Pollack oversaw the admission of the first female-inclusive class in 1983,<ref>{{cite news|author=Froehlich, Richard|title=CC biology prof picked to be new College dean|date=April 6, 1982|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19820406-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--161-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Staff, Spectator|title=At Last 229-year tradition ends as College women arrive|date=August 29, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830829-01.2.2&srpos=248&e=-------en-20--241-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> appointing a co-education coordinator to facilitate the transition.<ref>{{cite news|author=Froehlich, Richard|title=CC looks for coordinator to ease coed transition|date=November 19, 1982|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19821119-01.2.2&srpos=202&e=-------en-20--201-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Froehlich, Richard|title=College still has to pick coordinator for coeducation|date=December 6, 1982|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19821206-01.2.26&srpos=209&e=-------en-20--201-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Bashman, Howard|title=CC picks coed coordinator|date=February 22, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830222-01.2.4&srpos=226&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> At the same time, he engineered a merger between the athletics programs of [[Organization:Barnard College|Barnard College]] and Columbia College.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Greene|first1=Liz|last2=Butler|first2=Charles|title=Bears turn into Lions: consortium is okayed Athletes, coaches pleased with deal|date=March 3, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830303-01.2.3&srpos=231&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> He pushed for renovations to the main student life center, later rebuilt as Alfred Lerner Hall.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Oswald|first1=John|title=FBH fix-up stalls over budgeting|date=November 5, 1986|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19861105-01.2.2&e=-------en-20--521-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> 

[[File:Robert Pollack at the NYC Subway Station.webp|thumb|left|Dean Robert E. Pollack in front of a Columbia College poster, 1985]]

Pollack forwarded initiatives to ensure guaranteed housing for all students.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Adler |first1=Philippe |title=College looks to future with high hopes |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840829-01.2.45&srpos=338&e=-------en-20--321-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=August 29, 1984}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Housing Guaranteed to All Undergraduates|date=December 13, 1999|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19991213-01.2.25&srpos=864&e=-------en-20--861-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> A contemporary editorial by the Managing Board of the Columbia Daily Spectator noted that: "College Dean Robert Pollack is clinging to his guarantee of housing for all freshmen like a mother bear to its threatened cub."<ref>{{cite news|title=Remember The Carlton?|date=September 6, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830906-01.2.20&srpos=254&e=-------en-20--241-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> In addition to the acquisition of the Carlton Arms dormitory, he pushed for the construction of a new dorm on 115th street,<ref>{{cite news|author=Froehlich, Richard|title=Columbia contemplating increase in class size, dorm to go on 115th|date=August 11, 1982|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19820811-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--161-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> which eventually became Schapiro Hall.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Berger|first=Joseph|date=1988-08-26|title=New Dorm at Columbia Means Diversity|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/08/26/world/new-dorm-at-columbia-means-diversity.html|access-date=2021-11-14|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> He successfully convinced Morris Schapiro to donate an addition two million dollars to fund a student center for the arts in the basement of this dorm.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Phillip |first1=Francis |title=Schapiro Hall to have first CU arts center |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870917-01.2.5&srpos=602&e=-------en-20--601-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator}}</ref> Additionally, the college negotiated directly with manufacturers to install computer labs in residence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bashman |first1=Howard J. |title=CC diversifies in computer uses |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840124-01.2.2&srpos=291&e=-------en-20--281-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=January 24, 1984}}</ref>

In the face of significant financial constraints,<ref>{{cite news|author=Bashman, Howard|title=CU puts aid limit on College, SEAS May end need-blind admissions|date=January 25, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830125-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--201-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MISSING PIECES: SEAS may deny aid|date=February 3, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830203-01.2.24&srpos=220&e=-------en-20--201-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Genachowski, Julius|title=Low Library aid policy jeopardizes need-blind CC, SEAS scramble for aid funds|date=February 11, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830211-01.2.3&srpos=224&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> Pollack vigorously and successfully defended Columbia College's need-blind admissions policy with [[Social:Alumni|alumni]] donations.<ref>{{cite news|author=Lewis, Mark|title=CC, SEAS using new tactics to get gifts|date=March 7, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830307-01.2.5&srpos=233&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Kornhauser, Anne|title=CC gets $1 million for financial aid from Beller family|date=April 11, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830411-01.2.2&srpos=238&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Editorials: Need-blind must stay top priority|date=February 20, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840220-01.2.8&srpos=299&e=-------en-20--281-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> A focus within his tenure was to support a more racially and ethnically diverse student body.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Lynch|first1=Hollis R.|title=After bad start, CU must be more representative|date=February 22, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830222-01.2.11&srpos=227&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Cameron|first1=Roger|title=Prospective minority students lured in weekend|date=February 28, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830228-01.2.8&srpos=229&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=MIRANDA |first1=MOLLY |title=1983-1998: 15 years of change for Columbia Diverse and co-ed: The changing student body |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19980225-01.2.21&srpos=860&e=-------en-20--841-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 25, 1998}}</ref> To this end, he supported the development of an intercultural resource center, bolstering undergraduate student life.<ref>{{cite news |last1=BENDAVID |first1=NAFTALI |title=Student groups seek center for minorities |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840919-01.2.2&srpos=344&e=-------en-20--341-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 19, 1984}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=TUCKER |first1=IRENE |title=Intercultural center seeks outside funds |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19851115-01.2.4&srpos=451&e=-------en-20--441-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=November 15, 1985}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=BAYER |first1=AMY |title=UMB leaders angered by FBH space allotted |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19861029-01.2.2&srpos=528&e=-------en-20--521-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=October 29, 1986}}</ref>

====AIDS Epidemic====
Pollack was one of the first university administers to meet with LGBTQ groups during the AIDS epidemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gat |first1=Michael |title=Pollack, gay students discuss AIDS, harrassment at forum |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19831027-01.2.10&srpos=267&e=-------en-20--261-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=October 27, 1983}}</ref> He later led an initiative to formulate an AIDS-related policy for Columbia's campus.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Editorial Board |title=AIDS and Columbia |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850910-01.2.8&srpos=430&e=-------en-20--421-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 10, 1985}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=FREEDMAN |first1=ALLAN |title=CU officials to start discussions on AIDS |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850910-01.2.4&srpos=429&e=-------en-20--421-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 10, 1985}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=FREEDMAN |first1=ALLAN |title=Group will define AIDS policy |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850918-01.2.4&srpos=431&e=-------en-20--421-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 18, 1985}}</ref> Additionally, Pollack called for the development of an [[Unsolved:HIV vaccine development|AIDS vaccine]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert E. |title=For a National Effort to Develop A Vaccine to Counteract AIDS: It is feasible and overdue |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/11/27/opinion/for-a-national-effort-to-develop-a-vaccine-to-counteract-aids.html |work=New York Times |date=November 27, 1985}}</ref>

====South African Divestment====
In response to increasing student activism related to [[Finance:Disinvestment from South Africa|divestment from South Africa]], the [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] Senate voted on March 25, 1983, to recommend total divestment, which was in turn rejected by the Trustees of the University.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Froehlich|first1=Richard|title=Senate rethinks pro-divest stance|date=September 26, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830926-01.2.4&srpos=255&e=-------en-20--241-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> In response, the [[Organization:Columbia University|University]] Senate appointed Pollack, alongside Louis Henkin and then-student Barbara Ransby, to a seven-member committee, charged with researching university divestment and reporting their results to the trustees.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Froehlich|first1=Richard|title=Senate forms new panel on S. Africa|date=October 17, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19831017-01.1.3&e=-------en-20--261-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> Pollack was selected to chair the committee.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schimek|first1=Paul|title=University can set precedent on divestment issue: Pollack|date=October 17, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19831116-01.2.5&srpos=270&e=-------en-20--261-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> Due to opposition from Ransby, the report could not be presented to the [[Organization:Columbia University|University]] Senate by the end of the 1984 academic year.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bashman|first1=Howard J.|title=One holds out on investment report|date=April 19, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840419-01.2.5&srpos=320&e=-------en-20--301-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bashman|first1=Howard J.|title=Ransby opposes plan to freeze investment|date=April 26, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840426-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--321-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> In response, Pollack directly requested that [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] President Michael Sovern recommend that the trustees freeze investments in South Africa,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bashman|first1=Howard J.|title=Trustees to consider freeze option on S.A.|date=May 16, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840516-01.2.27&srpos=324&e=-------en-20--321-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> a principal recommendation of the report, which thereafter became known as the ''Pollack Report''.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Feldman|first1=Jeremy J.|title=Pollack and Sovern become focus of divestment debate|date=June 13, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840613-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--321-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Editorial: What happened to divestment?|date=November 26, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19841126-01.2.9&srpos=359&e=-------en-20--341-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The Pollack Committee Report|date=June 1, 1985|newspaper=Columbia College Today|url=https://archive.org/details/ldpd_12981092_027/page/102/mode/2up}}</ref> The trustees responded favorably to Pollack's request, instituting a freeze on new investments in June, 1984.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Feldman|first1=Jeremy J.|title=Trustees freeze investments|date=June 6, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840606-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--321-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> The committee, containing a new student representative,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kornhauser|first1=Anne|title=Students critical of divest panel appointment|date=October 5, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19841005-01.2.2&srpos=347&e=-------en-20--341-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> approved the report on November 15, 1984,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kornhauser|first1=Anne|title=Pollack group finally okays report|date=November 16, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19841116-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--341-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> followed by ratification in December, 1984 by the [[Organization:Columbia University|University]] Senate.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kornhauser|first1=Anne|title=Senate passes S. Africa freeze resolution|date=December 3, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19841203-01.2.2&srpos=366&e=-------en-20--361-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> In addition to a freeze on investments, the report recommended the formation of a consortium of universities to organize against apartheid, the continuous monitoring of current South African investments by a standing committee, and the funding of educational programs to study social politics in {{wipe|South Africa}}.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spectrum S. Africa: Freeze or thaw? The four point plan|date=November 29, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19841129-01.2.11&srpos=363&e=-------en-20--361-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> Although Pollack strongly defended the committee's work,<ref>{{cite news|first1=Robert|last1=Pollack|title=From the Committee: Freeze is not a 'compromise'|date=November 29, 1984|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19841129-01.2.12&srpos=364&e=-------en-20--361-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> student activists continued to push for total [[Finance:Disinvestment from South Africa|divestment]], organizing a fast<ref>{{cite news|first1=Jacqueline Shea|last1=Murphy|title=Coalition begins protest fast today|date=March 25, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850325-01.2.3&srpos=386&e=-------en-20--381-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> and protest simultaneously,<ref>{{cite news|first1=Elizabeth|last1=Schwartz|first2=Anne|last2=Kornhauser|title=Hamilton blockade In 4th day; 8 students warned; fast still on|date=April 7, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850407-01.2.2&srpos=391&e=-------en-20--381-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> blockading the entrance to Hamilton Hall for three weeks.<ref>{{cite news|title=Protestors blockade Hamilton|date=April 5, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850405-01.2.2&srpos=390&e=-------en-20--381-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Anne|last1=Kornhauser|title=Talks end between blockaders and CU: No agreement on amnesty issue|date=April 12, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850412-01.2.2&srpos=397&e=-------en-20--381-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Larry|last1=Rohter|title=COLUMBIA STUDENTS TO END ANTI-APARTHEID PROTEST|date=April 5, 1985|newspaper=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/23/nyregion/columbia-students-to-end-anti-apartheid-protest.html}}</ref> While the trustees accepted only three proposals from the ''Pollack Report'', choosing to maintain the temporary investment freeze agreed to with Pollack in 1984,<ref>{{cite news|first1=Jacqueline Shea|last1=Murphy|title=Trustees delaying freeze decision|date=July 24, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850724-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--401-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> a worsening human rights situation in South Africa led Pollack and other university administrators to also push for total divestment.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Steve|last1=West|title=S. Af. freeze decision is postponed|date=August 28, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850828-01.2.5&srpos=417&e=-------en-20--401-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> The trustees thereafter accepted a two-year divestment plan in October, 1985, making [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] the first private institution to move toward total [[Finance:Disinvestment from South Africa|divestment]].<ref>{{cite news|first1=Anne|last1=Kornhauser|title=CU plans full divestment|date=August 29, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19850829-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--421-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Kelly|last1=Schoolmeester|title=Columbia University students win divestment from apartheid South Africa, United States, 1985|date=July 2, 2010|newspaper=Swarthmore College|url=https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/columbia-university-students-win-divestment-apartheid-south-africa-united-states-1985}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Steve|last1=West|first2=Jennifer|last2=Lynch|title=Trustees vote for divestment|date=October 8, 1985|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19851008-01.1.5&e=-------en-20--421-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> In order to fund the educational programs recommended by the ''Pollack Report'', the [[Organization:Columbia University|University]] received a one million dollar grant in 1986 from the Ford Foundation to support interdisciplinary courses in human rights.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Andrea|last1=Chipman|title=Ford grant to expand human rights center|date=February 19, 1986|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19860219-01.2.4&srpos=470&e=-------en-20--461-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref>

==== Columbia College Bicentennial ====
In 1987, Columbia College celebrated its bicentennial, commemorating the signing of the College charter, in 1987.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Winship |first1=Frederick M. |title=Columbia College, the nation's oldest state-chartered college, celebrated its |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/04/13/Columbia-College-the-nations-oldest-state-chartered-college-celebrated-its/5279545284800/ |publisher=United Press International, Inc. |date=April 13, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Carmody |first1=Deirdre |title=Columbia Celebrates Its Bicentennial (Again) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/05/nyregion/columbia-celebrates-its-bicentennial-again.html |work=New York Times |date=April 5, 1987}}</ref> Pollack led a series of reflection sessions in advance of the event, championing recent advances in African American and Women's studies.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reflections on the College |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870218-01.2.14.1&srpos=546&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 18, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title=Bicentennial celebration to start with reflections |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870223-01.2.16&srpos=549&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 23, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Reflections on the College |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870225-01.2.11.1&srpos=552&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 25, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title= From Pollack to Navab: CC remembers 200 years |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870226-01.2.3&srpos=553&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 26, 1987}}</ref> He later gave speeches at major gatherings and parades, celebrating the close ties between Columbia College and {{wipe|New York City}}.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title= Students apathetic about bicentennial |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870408-01.2.4&srpos=572&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 8, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title= Koch joins speakers in praise of Columbia and its charter |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870413-01.2.6&srpos=575&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------|publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 13, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title= 150 gather in St. Paul's to celebrate charter day |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870414-01.2.3&srpos=576&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------|publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 14, 1987}}</ref>  

====Racial Tensions at Columbia====
Protests by hundreds of students erupted following a racially motivated fight between students in the College in March, 1987.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drew |first1=Duchesne Paul |title=Racial tensions explode following weekend brawl |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870323-01.2.2&srpos=557&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 23, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Justice |first1=Jade |last2=Cheng |first2=Annie |title=The Fight, The Movement, and The Backlash: Columbia's Reckoning with Racism in 1987 |url=https://www.columbiaspectator.com/the-eye/2021/03/17/the-fight-the-movement-and-the-backlash-columbias-reckoning-with-racism-in-1987/ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 17, 2021}}</ref> In response, Pollack organized a meeting between black student leaders and [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] President Michael Sovern.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drew |first1=Duchesne Paul |title=Sovern to meet with black leaders |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870325-01.2.2&srpos=558&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 25, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Drew |first1=Duchesne Paul |title=Black student group meets with CU president today |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870327-01.2.2&srpos=561&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 27, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Oswald |first1=John A. |last2=Drew |first2=Duchesne Paul |title=Black students disappointed with first Sovern meeting CBSC may join CC discipline procedure |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870330-01.2.2&srpos=563&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 30, 1987}}</ref> Sovern next met with the Columbia College student council, yielding limited results.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pomper |first1=Miles |title=Council calls Sovern meet about CU racism fruitless |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870331-01.2.2&srpos=564&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 31, 1987}}</ref> As a result, approximately one month later, student leaders organized a protest blockading Hamilton Hall, reminiscent of the protests during South African Divestment.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drew |first1=Duchesne Paul |title=A spring of dissent: Columbia faces racism Fight leads to protests, blockade, and police arrests |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870513-02.2.5&srpos=590&e=-------en-20--581-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=May 13, 1987}}</ref> 50 students were arrested, sparking a nearly one thousand person strong protest.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=Spectator |title=Sovern calls in police to end blockade |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870422-01.2.2&srpos=578&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 22, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Earle |first1=Jonathan |last2=Gillette |first2=Josh |title=1,000 attend Low Library protest yesterday |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870423-01.2.2&srpos=579&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 23, 1987}}</ref> In response, Pollack released a report regarding the March 22nd fight, charging junior Drew Krause with racial harassment and suspending him for one semester.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Oswald |first1=John A. |title=CC disciplinary hearings proceed without key input |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870326-01.2.3&srpos=559&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 26, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Drew |first1=Duchesne Paul |last2=Pomper |first2=Miles |title=CC report disciplines one Deans say race harassment occurred |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870423-01.2.3&srpos=580&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 23, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Deans release Columbia College report about race incident |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870423-01.1.8&e=-------en-20--581-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 23, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Blockade aftermath |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870423-01.2.9&srpos=582&e=-------en-20--581-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 23, 1987}}</ref> In response, Krause sued [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] for discrimination, winning in federal court and overturning his suspension.<ref>{{cite news |title=White Columbia Student Ia Ruled Bias Victim |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/01/13/nyregion/white-columbia-student-ia-ruled-bias-victim.html |work=New York Times |date=January 13, 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Oswald |first1=John A. |title=Jury rules for Krause, says deans discriminated |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19880125-01.2.5&e=-------en-20--1--txt-txIN------- |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=January 25, 1988}}</ref> When the University appealed this ruling, the two parties entered arbitration, settling outside of court.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hardt, Jr. |first1=Robert |title=Columbia to appeal discrimination case |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19880204-01.2.2&srpos=634&e=-------en-20--621-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 4, 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hardt, Jr. |first1=Robert |title=University and Krause settle out of court |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19880224-01.2.4&srpos=641&e=-------en-20--641-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 24, 1988}}</ref>

In 1984, Pollack came out against an African-American studies major, favoring a more broadly encompassing minority studies major.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chung |first1=Alton |title=University sees need for minority courses |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19841203-01.2.32&srpos=367&e=-------en-20--361-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=December 3, 1984}}</ref> Therefore, in 1986, minority studies became an approved major, while proposals for African-American studies languished.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bayer |first1=Amy |title=Minority studies major approved |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19860514-01.2.3&srpos=502&e=-------en-20--501-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=May 14, 1986}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gilette |first1=Josh |title=Afro-American proposal readied for end of year |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19860923-01.2.4&srpos=510&e=-------en-20--501-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 23, 1986}}</ref> Four days after the March 22nd fight, the African-American studies proposal was brought before the committee on instruction with Pollack's approval, and ratified by the faculty nearly a month afterwards.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title=COI to consider black studies major |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870326-01.2.4&srpos=560&e=-------en-20--541-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=March 26, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title=Afro-American major receives COI go-ahead |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870409-01.2.6&srpos=574&e=-------en-20--561-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 9, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Michelson |first1=Melissa |title=Faculty approve African studies major |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870423-01.2.4&srpos=581&e=-------en-20--581-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 23, 1987}}</ref> Therefore, the 1987-1988 academic year therefore became the first where African-American studies was an offered major.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |title=Staying serious on African-American studies |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19880325-01.2.8&srpos=655&e=-------en-20--641-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------|publisher=Columbia Spectator|date=March 25, 1988}}</ref> 

Over the course of the Fall, 1987 semester, Pollack developed a plan to use a 25 million dollar donation from John Kluge to encourage graduate studies for underrepresented groups.<ref>{{cite news |last1=WongSam |first1=Annie-Marie |title=Kluge gift to aid minority Ph.D. students |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870910-01.2.3&srpos=600&e=-------en-20--581-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 10, 1987}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kanthak |first1=Kris |title=Minorities struggle for strong presence at Columbia Divestment battle, racial brawl mar CU's affirmative action efforts |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19891205-01.2.25&srpos=794&e=-------en-20--781-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=December 5, 1989}}</ref> He additionally appointed a race relations committee, headed by Professor Charles Hamilton.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hardt, Jr. |first1=Robert |title=Race relations comm report released tues |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19880518-01.2.29&srpos=681&e=-------en-20--681-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=May 18, 1988}}</ref> The committee provided fourteen recommendations, accepted by Pollack, including an investment in the Columbia University Double Discovery Center along with increased hiring of minority faculty.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gillette |first1=Joshua C. |title=Hamilton report suggests means to improve race relations on campus |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19880920-01.2.4&srpos=687&e=-------en-20--681-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 20, 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gillette |first1=Joshua C. |title=Hamilton report: admins must back minority hiring |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19880921-01.2.5&srpos=688&e=-------en-20--681-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=September 21, 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Moffitt-Hawasly |first1=Kelly |title=Community Leaders Visit Columbia's Flourishing Double Discovery Center College Prep Program for Local Students |url=https://neighbors.columbia.edu/news/community-leaders-visit-columbias-flourishing-double-discovery-center-college-prep-program |publisher=Columbia Neighbors |date=August 16, 2023}}</ref>

==== Research Contributions During Deanship====
Alongside his administrative responsibilities, Pollack maintained an active role in scientific research.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stiefel |first1=Larry |title=Pollack still loves life in the laboratory |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840406-01.2.5&srpos=318&e=-------en-20--301-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 6, 1984}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Columbia Dean Finds Time for Cancer Research |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/12/09/nyregion/columbia-dean-finds-time-for-cancer-research.html |work=New York Times |date=December 9, 1984}}</ref> His work focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellular differentiation and cancer cell transformation, specifically investigating the role of viral proteins and the cellular cytoskeleton in oncogenesis. Notable publications include studies on insulin binding by 3T3 cells,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Murphy|first1=R.|last2=Powers|first2=S.|last3=Cantor|first3=C.|last4=Pollack|first4=R.|title=Insulin binding by 3T3 cells|journal=Cytometry|year=1982|volume=2 |issue=6 |pages=402–406 |doi=10.1002/cyto.990020608 |pmid=6804197 }}</ref> the role of the cytoskeleton in colonic epithelial cells,<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Friedman|first1=E.|last2=Verderame|first2=M.|last3=Winawer|first3=S.|last4=Pollack|first4=R.|title=Cytoskeleton in colonic epithelial cells|journal=Cancer Research|year=1984}}</ref> and adipocyte differentiation by DNA transfection.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Chen|first1=S.|last2=Kazim|first2=N.|last3=Kravecka|first3=J.|last4=Pollack|first4=R.|title=Adipocyte differentiation by DNA transfection|journal=Science|year=1989|volume=244 |issue=4904 |pages=582–585 |doi=10.1126/science.2470149 |pmid=2470149 }}</ref> Additionally, he spoke out regarding the relationship between academia and industry science.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |title=Biologists in Pinstripes |journal=The Sciences |date=October 1982 |volume=22 |issue=7 |pages=35–37 |doi=10.1002/j.2326-1951.1982.tb02104.x|pmid=11650586 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |title=Biologists in Pinstripes |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830405-01.2.12&srpos=235&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 5, 1983}}</ref>

===Co-Chair of the Jewish Campus Life Fund===
Near the end of his term as Dean and afterwards, Pollack was considered for a wide variety of academic positions at other universities, including as [[Social:Provost (education)|provost]] at [[Organization:University of Pennsylvania|University of Pennsylvania]],<ref>{{cite web|first1=Tracy|last1=Connor|first2=Tami|last2=Luhby|title=Pollack considered for Penn Provost spot|date=July 15, 1987|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870715-01.2.2&e=-------en-20--581-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Tracy|last1=Connor|title=CC Dean Pollack not chosen for Penn provost spot|date=July 29, 1987|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19870729-01.2.10&srpos=599&e=-------en-20--581-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> as [[Social:Chancellor (education)|president]] of [[Organization:University of Vermont|University of Vermont]],<ref>{{cite web|first1=Kirsten|last1=Danis|title=Pollack: Next UVM prez?|date=April 19, 1990|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19900417-01.2.2&srpos=800&e=-------en-20--781-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Elizabeth|last1=Reza|title=Pollack nixed for UVM spot|date=July 18, 1990|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19900718-01.2.12&srpos=802&e=-------en-20--801-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> as [[Social:Chancellor (education)|president]] of [[Organization:Bowdoin College|Bowdoin College]],<ref>{{cite web|first1=Robert|last1=Pollack|title=Handwritten letter from Robert Pollack to James D. Watson|date=November 11, 1989|publisher=CSHL Archives Repository|url=http://libgallery.cshl.edu/items/show/48546}}</ref> and as [[Social:Chancellor (education)|president]] of [[Organization:Brandeis University|Brandeis University]].<ref>{{cite web|first1=Eric|last1=Roston|title=Former CC dean up for Brandeis job|date=February 22, 1991|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19910222-01.2.6&srpos=811&e=-------en-20--801-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> He ultimately continued as Professor of Biological Sciences at [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]], becoming the Co-Chair of the Jewish Campus Life Fund.<ref>{{cite news |last1=TELLER |first1=DAVID |title=Torah scroll dedicated in Low Library |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19980223-01.2.6&srpos=859&e=-------en-20--841-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 23, 1998}}</ref><ref name="seeing_and_knowing"></ref> In this role, he convinced Robert Kraft to donate the necessary funds to establish the Robert K. Kraft Family Center for Jewish Student Life at Columbia, which opened in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Dian|last1=Vadino|title=Trustees approve $6M Jewish center|date=March 20, 1995|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19950320-01.2.6&srpos=849&e=-------en-20--841-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Suzanne|last1=Trimel|title= The Dedication Of The Robert K. Kraft Family Center For Jewish Student Life Is Sunday, April 2, at 1 p.m.|date=March 30, 2000|newspaper=Columbia News|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/pr/00/03/kraftCenter.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Suzanne|last1=Trimel|title=The Dedication Of The Robert K. Kraft Family Center For Jewish Student Life Is Sunday, April 2, at 1 p.m.|date=March 30, 2000|newspaper=Columbia News|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/pr/00/03/kraftCenter.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Julianna|last1=Goldman|title=Dancing Presidents Help Dedicate Jewish Center|date=April 3, 2000|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs20000403-01.2.5&srpos=866&e=-------en-20--861-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Robyn|last1=Schwartz|title=Rabbis Inaugurate New Jewish Student Center|date=April 12, 2000|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs20000412-01.2.7&srpos=867&e=-------en-20--861-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> He continued to comment on current issues, defending [[Biography:David Baltimore|David Baltimore]] during the Imanishi-Kari case<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert E. |title=In Science, Error Isn't Fraud |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/05/02/opinion/in-science-error-isnt-fraud.html |work=New York Times |date=May 2, 1989}}</ref> and advocating for need-blind admissions policies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert E. |title=Questions and answers concerning the financial aid crisis |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19920203-01.2.11&e=-------en-20--801-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 21, 1992}}</ref>

He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1993 to write a book on the definition of disease.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert E. Pollack|website=John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation|url=https://www.gf.org/fellows/all-fellows/robert-e-pollack/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first1=Saara|last1=Bickley|title=Faculty members receive fellowships|date=April 16, 1993|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19930416-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--821-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> From these efforts arose Pollack's first book geared for the general public, entitled ''Signs of Life: the Language and Meanings of DNA'' (1994).<ref>{{cite web|title=Review of ''Signs of Life'' by Robert Pollack|website=Kirkus Reviews|date=December 1, 1993|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/robert-pollack/signs-of-life/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=LANDRES |first1=SHAWN |title=Will knowledge set us free? |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19940207-01.2.17&srpos=840&e=-------en-20--821-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 7, 1994}}</ref> In 1999, Pollack published his second book, ''The Missing Moment: How the Unconscious Shapes Modern Science'' (Houghton Mifflin), which offers reflection on mortality, morality, and the role of science in society.<ref>{{cite news|author=Hall, Stephen S.|title=Review of ''The Missing Moment'' by Robert Pollack|date=December 19, 1999|newspaper=NY Times|url=https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/99/12/19/reviews/991219.19halllt.html}}</ref> ''The Missing Moment'' ultimately critiques the biomedical field's tendency to overlook human needs by operating within a paradigm that denies personal mortality.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Missing Moment: How the Unconscious Shapes Modern Science|author=Robert Pollack|publisher=Houghton Mifflin|date=1999|isbn=}}</ref>

===Director of the Center for the Study of Science and Religion===

Pollack founded the Center for the Study of Science and Religion, later renamed the Research Cluster for Science and Subjectivity, in 1999, receiving a number of notable grants to power its operations, spanning diverse colloquial efforts, undergraduate course support, and a medical writer-in-residence program.<ref name="Trimel">{{cite news|last1=Trimel|first1=Suzanne|title=Center for Study of Science and Religion Receives $100,000 Templeton Grant|date=October 30, 2000|newspaper=Columbia University News|url=http://www.columbia.edu/cu/pr/00/10/science_religion.html}}</ref> In 2000, he published ''The Faith of Biology and the Biology of Faith: Order, meaning and free will in modern science'', examining the relationship between religious belief and scientific practice.<ref>{{citation |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert E. |title=The Faith of Biology and the Biology of Faith: Order, Meaning, and Free Will in Modern Medical Science |date=31 December 2000 |doi=10.7312/poll11506|isbn=9780231529051 }}</ref> Originally presented at the Columbia University Seminar 1999 Leonard Hastings Schoff Memorial Lecture,<ref>{{cite web |title=Leonard Hastings Schoff Memorial Lecture Series |url=https://universityseminars.columbia.edu/schoff-memorial-lecture-series-archive/ |website=Columbia University Seminars |publisher=Columbia University |access-date=26 December 2023}}</ref> the text was republished in 2013, with a new preface emphasizing individual responsibility over scientific institutions, in discussing the role of free will in scientific practice.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |title=The faith of biology & the biology of faith: order, meaning, and free will in modern medical science |date=2013 |publisher=Columbia University Press |location=New York |isbn=9780231115070 |edition=Paperback}}</ref> He participated in a 2003 interview with [[Biography:Robert Wright (journalist)|Robert Wright]], underscoring Pollack's approach to finding balance and meaning at the intersection between scientific inquiry and spiritual belief.<ref>{{cite web|title=Interview: Robert Wright & Robert Pollack - Combining Science and Religion|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-CCiOxQjls|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=January 21, 2024}}</ref> He partnered with Jeffrey Sachs, moving the CSSR to the Earth Institute, turning his attention to the study of climate change during the later 2000s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Robert Pollack |url=https://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/2738 |website=Columbia Climate School |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref>

[[File:Harvey Krueger and Robert Pollack.png|thumb|Mr. Harvey Krueger with Dr. Robert Pollack at the Seixas Award Dinner , 2008]]

From 2011 to 2019, Pollack concurrently served as the Director of the [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] seminars, a movement fostering interdisciplinary conversations between academics, founded by Frank Tannenbaum.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the Seminars |url=http://universityseminars.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/001_148_ColumbiaUSem2014_sm1.pdf |website=Columbia University Seminars |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the University Seminars |url=https://universityseminars.columbia.edu/about-us/ |website=Columbia University Seminars |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=2020-2021 University Seminars Directory |url=https://universityseminars.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/20202021Directory_WEB.pdf |website=Columbia University Seminars |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Thai Jones|title=Professor Anarchist|date=2011|publisher=Columbia Daily Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs20110909-02.2.31&srpos=910&e=-------en-20--901-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> In his role as Director, he played an important role in the creation of the University Seminar Archive.<ref>{{cite web |title=The University Seminars Archive |url=https://universityseminars.columbia.edu/archive/history-of-the-seminars/ |website=Columbia University Seminars |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref>

Starting in 2014, Pollack changed the mission of the RCSS to focus on empowering undergraduate projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.edge.org/memberbio/robert_pollack|title=Rethinking Our Vision of Success}}</ref> He received an endowment from College alumnus Harvey Krueger ’51 to perpetually fund these undergraduate efforts.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |title=Director's Letter |journal=RCSS Journal of Undergraduate Research |date=2016–2017 |url=https://rcss.scienceandsociety.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/Publications/RCSS%20Journal-4.pdf}}</ref> An exemplar of this vision is the fully-funded Black Undergraduate Mentorship Program in Biology at Columbia, providing summer research housing stipends and significant individualized mentorship, with support from both [[Biography:Harmen Bussemaker|Harmen Bussemaker]] and Nobel Laureate [[Biography:Martin Chalfie|Martin Chalfie]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Seed Grant Award: Black Undergraduate Mentorship Program (BUMP) in Biology at Columbia |url=https://provost.columbia.edu/content/seed-grant-award-black-undergraduate-mentorship-program-bump-biology-columbia |website=Columbia University |publisher=Office of the Provost |access-date=27 December 2023}}</ref> Pollack retired as director in 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=2022-2023 Year in Review|publisher=Center for Science and Society|url=https://mailchi.mp/columbia/css-2022-23|access-date=2023-09-18}}</ref> He continues to serve on the advisory board of the RCSS and as an executive committee member for the Columbia University Center for Science and Society.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Zhang |first1=Dennis |title=Robert E. Pollack |url=https://rcss.scienceandsociety.columbia.edu/people/robert-e-pollack |website=Research Cluster on Science and Subjectivity |publisher=Columbia University |access-date=26 December 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Robert E. Pollack |url=https://scienceandsociety.columbia.edu/directory/robert-e-pollack |website=Center for Science and Society |publisher=Columbia University |access-date=26 December 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

==Teaching==
===Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory===
As a research scientist in Nobel Laureate James Watson's laboratory,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Witkowski |first1=Jan |title=How one family secured the future of a laboratory |url=https://www.cshl.edu/how-one-family-secured-the-future-of-a-laboratory/ |website=CSHL Stories and Media |date=12 September 2019 |publisher=Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory}}</ref> Pollack taught a yearly summer course on animal cells and viruses.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mukherjee |first1=Siddhartha |title=The gene: an intimate history |date=2017 |publisher=Scribner |location=New York London Toronto |isbn=978-1-4767-3350-0 |edition=First Scribner trade paperback}}</ref> In 1971, his class heard a presentation from [[Biography:Janet E. Mertz|Janet Mertz]], then a graduate student in the laboratory of [[Biography:Paul Berg|Paul Berg]], who proposed an experiment cloning SV40 genes from monkeys into bacteria.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fredrickson |first1=Donald S. |title=Asilomar and Recombinant DNA: The End of the Beginning |date=1991 |publisher=Institute of Medicine (US) Committee to Study Decision Making |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234217/}}</ref> Pollack reacted to this presentation by directly calling [[Biography:Paul Berg|Berg]] to relay his concerns and drafting an unsent letter calling for a moratorium on this kind of cloning.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Lear |first1=John |title=Recombinant DNA: the untold story |date=1978 |publisher=Crown |location=New York |isbn=0517531658}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |last2=Cobb |first2=Matthew |title=Are there any good experiments that should not be done? |journal=PLOS Biology |date=14 February 2022 |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=e3001539 |doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.3001539|doi-access=free |pmid=35157696 |pmc=8880928 }}</ref> His concerns centered on the potential for these bacteria to be capable of inducing cancer, which could possibly spread rapidly through the human population.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bridging evolutionary barriers, Robert Pollack |url=https://dnalc.cshl.edu/view/15158-Bridging-evolutionary-barriers-Robert-Pollack.html |website=DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory |publisher=DNAi}}</ref> Berg accepted these concerns, starting a voluntary moratorium.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reaction to outrage over recombinant DNA, Paul Berg |url=https://dnalc.cshl.edu/view/15017-Reaction-to-outrage-over-recombinant-DNA-Paul-Berg.html |website=DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory |publisher=DNAi}}</ref> In 1973, a conference was held at Asilomar, with Pollack editing the proceedings into a book entitled ''Biohazards in biological research'', specifically identifying the necessary experiments to deem [[Biology:Recombinant DNA|recombinant DNA]] technologies safe.<ref>{{cite web |title=Biohazards in biological research : proceedings of a conference held at the Asilomar Conference Center, Pacific Grove, California, January 22-24 |url=https://wellcomecollection.org/works/ysfa2yf4 |website=Wellcome Collection |publisher=Conference on Biohazards in Cancer Research}}</ref> In 1974, this expanded into the first national moratorium on a specific subset of scientific research, followed by the more-famous [[Biology:Asilomar Conference on Recombinant DNA|Asilomar Conference]] in 1975, which answered many of the safety concerns [[Biology:Recombinant DNA|recombinant DNA]] technologies raised at the 1973 conference, thereby paving the way to lift the national moratorium.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cobb |first1=Matthew |title=As gods: a moral history of the genetic age |date=2022 |publisher=Basic Books |location=New York |isbn=978-1541602847 |edition=First US}}</ref> The response of the scientific community to [[Biology:Recombinant DNA|recombinant DNA]] technologies has been scrutinized in debates regarding [[Biology:CRISPR|CRISPR]]-based genome modification technologies.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Kozubek |first1=Jim |title=Modern Prometheus: Editing the Human Genome with Crispr-Cas9 |date=26 April 2018 |journal=Cambridge University Press |doi=10.1017/9781108597104.004}}</ref>

===Columbia University===
Pollack has taught a variety of lecture and seminar style courses at [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]], including, [BIOL W2001] Environmental Biology, [BIOL W3500] Independent research, [BIOL G4065] Molecular Biology of Disease, [RELI V2660] Science & Religion East & West, and [EEEBGU4321] Human Nature: DNA, Race & Identity: Our Bodies, Our Selves.<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert Pollack|website=CULPA|url=https://culpa.info/#/professor/1021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=EEEBGU4321 Spring 2019 Syllabus|website=Columbia Center for Science and Society|url=https://scienceandsociety.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/content/Documents/Spring2019Syllabus(Recovered)+(Pollack,+Marya).pdf}}</ref> Arriving at Columbia in 1978,<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert E. Pollack |website=Columbia University Center for Science and Society|url=https://scienceandsociety.columbia.edu/directory/robert-e-pollack}}</ref> he soon joined the Columbia College Committee on Instruction,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Tabios|first1=Eileen|title=Officials seek to draw A&S closer into centralized planning process|date=September 24, 1980|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19800924-01.1.3&e=-------en-20--141-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> responsible for approving academic policy changes, new courses, and new major proposals.<ref>{{cite web|title=
Columbia College Committee on Instruction|website=Columbia Undergraduate Admissions|url=https://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/studentgroup/columbia-college-committee-instruction}}</ref> Pollack has been a consistent supporter of the Core Curriculum as a mandatory component of undergraduate education.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Failer|first1=Lisa|title=Profs defend core as 'timeless'|date=December 2, 1982|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19821202-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--201-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Pollack|first1=Robert|title=No received truths, no forbidden thoughts|date=December 1, 1987|newspaper=Columbia College Today|url=https://archive.org/details/ldpd_12981092_029/page/44/mode/2up}}</ref> 

Pollack was an early advocate for the inclusion of science curriculum within Columbia's Core Curriculum.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pollack|first1=Robert|title=From Theory to Praxis|date=November 1, 1981|newspaper=Columbia College Today|url=https://archive.org/details/ldpd_12981092_023/page/20/mode/2up}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=VINCIGUERRA |first1=THOMAS |title=Pollack: We need to pay more attention to 'scientific literacy' |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19840223-01.2.4&srpos=301&e=-------en-20--301-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=February 23, 1984}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Magnani|first1=Jared|title=Pollack calls science necessary for the complete scholar|date=November 5, 1987|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19871105-01.2.4&srpos=621&e=-------en-20--621-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> To accomplish this goal, Pollack, alongside [[Biography:Herbert Goldstein|Herbert Goldstein]] and Jonathon Gross, developed a course entitled the Theory and Practice of Science, aimed at providing scientific literacy to the general student population, funded by a $30,000 grant from the [[Company:ExxonMobil|Exxon Mobil Foundation]] along with an anonymous $30,000 donation, later revealed to be a personal donation from [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]] President Michael Sovern.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Waldman|first1=Mike|title=CC starting new science course|date=July 29, 1981|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19810729-01.2.4&srpos=133&e=-------en-20--121-byDA-txt-txIN-the+theory+and+practice+of+science------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=New College Course Seeks to Reduce 'Scientific Illiteracy'|date=September 11, 1981|newspaper=Columbia University Record|url=https://curecordarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cr19810911-01.1.3&e=-------en-20--1-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hill|first1=Douglas|title=New dean does not like idea of 'science hum' core course|date=April 15, 1982|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19820415-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--161-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> Based on a belief that fundamental scientific papers double as literary masterpieces,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Rhodes |first1=Richard |title=How to write : advice and reflections |date=October 16, 1996 |publisher=William Morrow & Co |isbn=978-0688149482 |url=https://archive.org/details/howtowriteadvice00rhod/page/24/mode/2up?q=robert+pollack}}</ref> Pollack's portion of the course was organized around key publications in [[Biology:Biochemistry|biochemistry]], [[Biology:Evolution|evolution]], and [[Biology:Genetics|genetics]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Syllabus, SCIENCE C1002y: THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF SCIENCE-BIOLOGY|access-date=1 July 2023|website=Project 2061|url=http://www.project2061.org/publications/rsl/online/SYLLABI/POLLACK/POLL1.HTM}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Carrier |first1=Emily |title=Committee stresses innovative science |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19921110-01.2.2&srpos=829&e=-------en-20--821-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=November 10, 1992}}</ref> In 1983, the course received an additional $240,000 in support from the [[Organization:Andrew W. Mellon Foundation|Mellon Foundation]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Craig|first1=Jeffrey|title=Science Hum gets $240G donation|date=May 17, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830517-01.2.33&srpos=242&e=-------en-20--241-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> Although the course was taught for at least fourteen years,<ref>{{cite book |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |title=The Theory and Practice of Science - Biology |date=April 1, 1995 |location=Columbia University Archives |url=https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/12444880?counter=1 |access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref> it failed enter the core curriculum, due to concerns regarding the breadth of technical concepts within the discussed works.<ref>{{cite web|title=  Insistent Change: Columbia's Core Curriculum at 100|access-date=1 July 2023|website=Columbia University Libraries|url=https://exhibitions.library.columbia.edu/exhibits/show/columbia_core_100/2000s/people}}</ref> Pollack later contributed<ref>{{cite web|last1=McPhearson|first1=Timon P.|last2=Gill|first2=Stuart P.D.|last3=Pollack|first3=Robert|last4=Sable|first4=Julia E.|title=Increasing Scientific Literacy in Undergraduate Education: A Case Study from "Frontiers of Science" at Columbia University|website=Urban Systems Lab|url=http://urbansystemslab.com/s/mcphearson-et-al-2008_chapter.pdf}}</ref> to and taught<ref>{{cite web|title=Robert Pollack|website=CULPA|url=https://culpa.info/#/professor/1021}}</ref> in Frontiers of Science,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pollack|first1=Robert|title=Letter to the Editor|date=Feb 23, 2013|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs20130225-01.2.17&srpos=918&e=-------en-20--901-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> a general science curriculum developed by David Helfand<ref>{{cite news|title=Science as a Liberal Art|date=April 5, 1983|newspaper=Columbia Spectator|url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19830405-01.2.17.1&srpos=237&e=-------en-20--221-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------}}</ref> and Darcy Kelley, former instructors for The Theory and Practice of Science,<ref>{{cite book|title=The Theory and Practice of Science|date=1 April 1985|location=Columbia University Archives|url=https://clio.columbia.edu/catalog/12444880?counter=1|access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref> which was added to the Core Curriculum in 2005.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kelley |first1=Darcy |last2=Melnick |first2=Don |last3=Hughes |first3=Ivana |title=Refining the pursuit |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs20120411-01.2.20&srpos=916&e=-------en-20--901-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=April 11, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Frontiers of Science receives highest student course evaluation score since its founding - Columbia Spectator|url=https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2019/01/22/frontiers-of-science-receives-highest-student-course-evaluation-score-since-its-founding/|access-date=2021-09-05|website=Columbia Daily Spectator}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Frontiers of Science|url=https://www.wikicu.com/Frontiers_of_Science|website=WikiCU}}</ref>

==Awards and Honors==
Pollack has received the Alexander Hamilton Medal from [[Organization:Columbia University|Columbia University]], Columbia College's most distinguished award for alumni.<ref>{{cite web |title=Alexander Hamilton Medal |url=https://www.college.columbia.edu/alumni/about/honors/alexander-hamilton-medal |website=Columbia College Alumni Association |date=14 December 2016 |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref> He has additionally received the Gershom Mendes Seixas Award from the Columbia/Barnard Hillel organization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Dinner |url=https://columbiabarnardhillel.org/giving/dinner/ |website=COLUMBIA/BARNARD HILLEL |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref> His book ''Signs of Life: the Language and Meanings of DNA'' (1994)<ref>{{cite web|title=Review of ''Signs of Life'' by Robert Pollack|website=Kirkus Reviews|date=December 1, 1993|url=https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/robert-pollack/signs-of-life/}}</ref> received the Lionel Trilling Award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trilling and Van Doren Awards |url=https://www.college.columbia.edu/academics/TrillingVanDorenAwards |website=Columbia College |publisher=Columbia University}}</ref> In 1986, he was appointed by NYC mayor Ed Koch to an advisory committee on science and technology.<ref>{{cite news |last1=CRAIGLOW |first1=ALISON |title=Pollack's face graces subway walls |url=https://spectatorarchive.library.columbia.edu/?a=d&d=cs19860709-01.1.1&e=-------en-20--501-byDA-txt-txIN-robert+pollack------ |publisher=Columbia Spectator |date=July 9, 1986}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Pollack is married to Amy Steinberg, an artist.<ref>{{cite news|title=DEAN OF COLUMBIA COMMITTED TO COEDUCATION|date=November 7, 1982|newspaper=NY Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/07/nyregion/dean-of-columbia-committed-to-coeducation.html}}</ref><ref name="Katz1">{{cite news|last1=Katz|first1=James C.|title=Around the Quads: Robert Pollack resigns as Dean of the College|date=April 1, 1989|newspaper=Columbia College Today|url=https://archive.org/details/ldpd_12981092_031/page/94/mode/2up}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Class Notes: 1961|date=December 1, 2021|newspaper=Columbia College Today|url=https://www.college.columbia.edu/cct/issue/winter-2021%E2%80%9322/article/class-notes}}</ref> They co-authored ''The Course of Nature: A Book of Drawings on Natural Selection and Its Consequences'' (2014), consisting of Steinberg's drawings and Pollack's commentary.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Course of Nature: A Book of Drawings on Natural Selection and Its Consequences|date=August 14, 2014|isbn=978-1499122244 |last1=Pollack |first1=Robert |publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform }}</ref> Their daughter Marya Pollack, who graduated as a member of the first coeducational class of students from Columbia College in 1987,<ref name="Katz1" /> is an attending physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Assistant Clinical Professor in Psychiatry at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marya Pollack|access-date=1 July 2023|website=Research Cluster on Science and Subjectivity|url=https://rcss.scienceandsociety.columbia.edu/people/marya-pollack}}</ref>

==Books==
In addition to his academic and administrative positions, Pollack has written many articles and books on diverse subjects, ranging from laboratory science to religious ethics.
*''Readings in mammalian cell culture, first edition'' (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1975) {{ISBN|0879691166}}
*''Readings in mammalian cell culture, second edition'' (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1982) {{ISBN|9780879691370}}
*''Signs of Life: The Language and Meanings of DNA'' (Houghton Mifflin, 1994) {{ISBN|0395735300}}
*''The Missing Moment: How the Unconscious shapes Modern Science'' (Houghton Mifflin, 1999) {{ISBN|0395709857}}
*''The Faith of Biology and the Biology of Faith'' (Columbia University Press, 2000) {{ISBN|9780231529051}}
*''The Faith of Biology and the Biology of Faith, With a New Preface by the Author'' (Columbia University Press, 2013) {{ISBN|9780231115070}}
*''The Course of Nature: A Book of Drawings on Natural Selection and Its Consequences'' (Stony Creek Press, 2014) {{ISBN|1499122241}}

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[https://biology.columbia.edu/content/robert-e-pollack Curriculum Vitae]
*[http://columbia.edu/cu/rcss Research Cluster on Science and Society]
*[http://universityseminars.columbia.edu The University Seminars at Columbia University]

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{{succession box|title=Dean of Columbia College|before=Arnold Collery|after=Jack Greenberg|years=1982 &ndash; 1989}}
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[[Category:Science communicators]]

{{Sourceattribution|Robert Pollack (biologist)}}