Professors Nathan Cortez and Meghan Ryan named as co-directors of the Tsai Center for Law, Science and Technology
Professors Cortez and Ryan will join founding Co-Director and Professor of Law David O. Taylor who is currently leading the Tsai Center.
SMU Dedman School of Law's Tsai Center for Law, Science and Innovation has named Professors Nathan Cortez and Meghan J. Ryan as co-directors of the Center. The Tsai Center is currently being led by the founding co-director Professor David O. Taylor who will continue as a co-director of the Center.
“Professors Cortez and Ryan each bring valuable expertise and experience to the Tsai Center,” said Tom Mayo, Interim Dean of SMU Dedman School of Law. “We are excited to have such a distinguished and experienced team leading the Tsai Center.”
Professor Cortez serves as a Gerald J. Ford Research Fellow and the inaugural Adelfa Botello Callejo Endowed Professor of Law in Leadership and Latino Studies. He teaches and writes in the areas of health law, administrative law, and FDA law, and his research focuses on emerging markets in health care and biotechnology. Professor Cortez’s expertise will aid the Center as it seeks to expand its activities in the area of health care innovation and the ethical, legal, and social implications of new health technologies.
Professor Ryan serves as a Gerald J. Ford Research Fellow, an Altshuler Distinguished Teaching Professor, and Professor of Law. She teaches and writes at the intersection of criminal law and procedure, torts, and law and science. Her research focuses on the impact of evolving science, technology, and cultural values on criminal convictions and punishment, as well as on civil remedies. Professor Ryan’s experience will help expand the Center’s expertise in these areas as well as allow for greater collaborations with engineering, science, and philosophy departments at SMU and other universities.
The Tsai Center is a research-focused academic center exploring how law and policy affect scientific research and discovery as well as the development and commercialization of new technologies. The Tsai Center also explores the converse—how scientific discoveries and new technologies affect ethics, society, private industry, and governmental institutions and agencies.
The Tsai Center presents education programming, facilitates academic research, and provides educational opportunities that engage students and the academic and business communities interested in law, science and innovation. In short, the Tsai Center exists to engage the public, scholars, students, scientists, and policymakers.