"A remarkable story of one man's epic rise from humble roots to the highest echelons of science and academia."
—Ed Boland, Author of the New York Times Bestseller The Battle for Room 314
About Tom
Thomas Henry Haines is a Visiting Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Rockefeller University. Since 2007, Dr. Haines has been a Professor Emeritus of Chemistry and Biochemistry of City College of the City University of New York. In the early 1970’s, he worked under City College President Robert E. Marshak to establish the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, now CUNY Medical School, where he taught biochemistry for 35 years.
About A Curious Life
A Curious Life tells the funny, moving and surprising story of how Thomas Haines, growing up in the orphanage founded by Alexander Hamilton’s widow Eliza, became a prominent scientist, social activist, New York City landlord, educator, and founder of the City University of New York Medical School to bring in minority and low-income students.
About the Orphanage
“In my earliest memory, I’m standing in front of the main building of the orphanage, facing across the Hudson River to the Palisades, looking at a gorgeous sunset...
"Situated on the crest of a hill overlooking the river, the Graham School resembled a college campus, with stately Federal-style brick buildings bordered by fields and farmland. In the center was a playground and main administration building, surrounded by a circular road leading to twelve cottages."