OAJ Remembers Dr. Robert Dunigan
The beloved researcher and professor was a champion for marginalized communities and brought compassion and kindness to every interaction.
Last week, the Heller community learned the sad news of the passing of Dr. Robert Dunigan, who was a Senior Research Associate at the Schneider Institutes for Health Policy. His research focused on drug and alcohol treatment and prevention aimed at improving the lives and treatment of marginalized groups and individuals. As of this year, he also taught a course on policy and criminal legal system disparities, and graciously volunteered his time to lead the MPP program’s Student of Color Gatherings.
Last year, Dr. Dunigan received the Heller Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) Award, a much-deserved recognition of his dedication to fostering conversations about race and reminding the Heller community to keep marginalized communities at the center of our work. Dr. Dunigan has also been recognized for his excellence in teaching. Students have commented on his empathy and sense of humor which made his classes so enjoyable and rewarding.
The team at OAJ sends our sincerest condolences to Dr. Dunigan’s friends and family, and to anyone who was touched by his work, mentorship, or friendship. He will be dearly missed and his absence will be felt. It’s up to our community to carry on his dedication to social justice and equity.