The Emory-Tibet Science Initiative

Kudoboard for Geshe Lobsang Tenzin Negi | Kudoboard Kudoboard is an online replacement for the greeting card that you pass around and sign!

https://news.emory.edu/stories/2026/09/emory-compassion-center-founder-lobsang-tenzin-negi-retires?fbclid=IwZnRzaAUo949leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAWZkaWQWUPU__LVXpCOrj5zNjHufIzpXcnfN0nNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR5OfcFCC1CUONN6DlfKyJqNrSoLfL3CtAhu4GEFq_D2GfBuP9S2WqmlSwK5cA_aem_3vfEkJt8zt84-VKzM2kSEQ

New era for Emory Compassion Center begins as founder Lobsang Tenzin Negi steps down After 28 years of leadership, Lobsang Tenzin Negi is retiring from Emory’s Compassion Center, leaving a global legacy in compassion and ethics education. The center now begins a new chapter under executive director Rob Roeser.

In the wake of the devastating disaster in Nepal, the Emory community is invited to gather in remembrance of those who have lost their lives, in solidarity with all who are grieving, and in support of those affected by displacement and widespread devastation.

There will be time for reflection, prayer, chanting and community. Refreshments will follow, and information about relief-fund initiatives and opportunities to support recovery efforts will be shared. Presented with the support of CAPS, FSAP, Emory Buddhist Club, Hindu Students Association, Emory-Tibet Science Initiative and ISSS. For more information, please contact [email protected].

Celebrating a Legacy of Compassion, Education, and Service

Last evening, friends, colleagues, students, and community members gathered at Drepung Loseling Monastery to celebrate Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi (Geshe Lobsang la) and honor his decades of visionary leadership, dedicated service, and profound impact on Emory and communities around the world.

The evening was filled with heartfelt tributes, cherished memories, and expressions of gratitude. Special messages from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, and Drepung Loseling Monastery in India were read, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of Geshe Lobsang la’s contributions. His Holiness has expressed his deep appreciation for Geshe la’s dedication to the field of education and for the key role he played in developing a deep and meaningful partnership between Emory University and His Holiness that has spanned almost three decades.

Among those sharing reflections were Dean Robert Paul, Geshe Lobsang la’s longtime mentor and PhD advisor; Gary Hauk, former Vice President of Emory University who was instrumental in founding the Emory-Tibet Partnership, which later evolved into the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics; and other distinguished colleagues and friends. Dr. Robert (Rob) Roeser, incoming Executive Director of the Center, presented Geshe Lobsang la with a special book filled with messages, memories, and well wishes from people around the world whose lives he has touched.

Geshe Lobsang la shared his own reflections and aspirations as he prepares for the next chapter of his journey—a three-year spiritual retreat in India. The formal program concluded with an auspicious chant, followed by a warm reception, khata offerings, and personal well wishes.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful celebration and, above all, to Geshe Lobsang la for the extraordinary legacy of compassion, education, and service he has built and shared with us all.

Sharing a few moments from a truly special evening.

And the link to Kudoboard, where you can enjoy the messages people around the globe have shared with Geshe la.

https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/3Y4Lj55A

Finally, a group photo of the 8th Cohort Tenzin Gyatso Science Scholars (TGSS) at the Emory University gate! With the recent arrival of two more scholars, five members of the cohort are now together at Emory. They are from Drepung Loseling, Sera Jey, Sera Mey, Bokar Shedra, and Tashi Lhunpo.

The three scholars who arrived last fall are beginning their second year at Emory, while the two who joined this fall are beginning their first year. We wish them the best and hope they will make their time at Emory meaningful, productive, and fun.

Biology Content Specialization – June Highlights

It is not only scientists—particularly biologists—who seek to understand life, its origins, and the mechanisms that drive change. Monastics, too, are deeply interested in exploring the nature of life, its defining characteristics, and its fundamental essence, with the shared aspiration of making life more meaningful.

During this year's Biology Content Specialization course, the monastic students engaged with these enduring questions while exploring a wide range of topics in modern biology. Their studies included the mechanisms underlying biodiversity, the role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in adaptive change, and the evidence for empathy, altruism, and compassion in non-human animals—offering insights into the evolutionary roots of these qualities. Recognizing that all life exists within interconnected systems, participants also examined key concepts in population biology and ecology.

The month-long course culminated in student presentations on topics such as the origin of species, human evolution, and symbiosis. Drawing on the pedagogical frameworks and teaching methodologies they developed during the preceding Sustainability Phase, participants designed and facilitated mini-lessons for their peers. In doing so, they became not only learners but also educators, actively contributing to the intellectual and pedagogical life of the program.

It was a rich and immersive month of learning, teaching, and meaningful dialogue at the intersection of science and spirituality.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. David Westmoreland, Dr. Miguel Reyes, Dr. Rachelle Spell, and Dr. Kate O'Toole for their exemplary teaching, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout the course. Their continued support and commitment to the program are deeply appreciated. We also extend our sincere appreciation to Gen. Dhondup Wangmo and Gen. Tenzin Jangchub for their dedicated support as teaching assistants and translators. Their contributions throughout the course were greatly appreciated.

How do billions of neurons work together to create thoughts, emotions, and consciousness? Why do chemicals in the brain shape our mood, memory, and behavior? These were some of the fascinating questions explored by our monastic students during this summer's Content Specialization course on Neuroscience. The study of neuroscience resonates deeply with the students, whose education is centered on understanding consciousness, thoughts, emotions, and sensations.

Throughout this month-long course, they attended lectures, read scientific papers, delivered group presentations, and engaged in lively debates on cutting-edge topics, including the role of astrocytes in neural coding.

The course concluded with a week of micro-teaching, where the students became the teachers—transforming complex neuroscience concepts into engaging lessons for their peers. Their presentations reflected not only a deep understanding of the material but also their growing confidence as scholars and educators.

This inspiring course was made possible through the incredible teaching of Dr. Aminda O'Hare and Dr. Jeremy Purcell. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to them, as well as to their teaching assistants and translators—especially Gen. Tenzin Choephel, Gen Dhondup Wangmo, Gen. Dorjee Sangpo, Geshe Lodoe Sangpo, and Ven. Kalden Gyatso—for their dedication and support in making this remarkable learning experience possible.