Gwendolyn Gordon, an assistant professor in the Wharton School’s department of legal studies and business ethics with a secondary appointment in the School of Arts and Sciences’ department of anthropology, passed away recently. She was 41.

Dr. Gordon earned a BA in psychology from Cornell University and a JD from Harvard Law School, where her research focused on social and economic rights for indigenous groups. At Harvard, she served as a research assistant for renowned professor and civil rights theorist Lani Guinier. Afterwards, Dr. Gordon worked as a corporate attorney in the London and New York offices of Shearman and Sterling, LLP. She also interned for the United Nations Tribunal for Rwanda, working on a team responsible for prosecuting military leaders on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. In 2014, Dr. Gordon received her PhD in anthropology from Princeton University. Her doctoral dissertation, “Bones, Breath, Body: The Life of an Indigenously Owned New Zealand Corporation,” examined the complex legal relationship of a Māori corporation responsible for the stewardship of indigenous lands and profits and reflected her passion for global social justice issues.

In 2013, Dr. Gordon joined Wharton’s faculty as an assistant professor. As the undergraduate advisor for the social impact concentration in the department of legal studies and business ethics, she advised several innovative projects. Diana Robertson, vice dean of the Wharton Undergraduate Division, said Dr. Gordon shared in the accomplishments of her students and celebrated their successes. Dr. Gordon was well-loved by her colleagues. “Her knowledge of the law was profound,” said Nina Strohminger, a professor of legal studies and business ethics. “She was brimming with new and highly original ideas. She possessed the rare talent of being able to draw out the virtues of nearly any project she came across, no matter how half-baked.” Other colleagues remembered her mastery of trivia and her devotion to righting civil rights-related injustices. “She refused to stand for people being treated unfairly, and she made a point to stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves,” said Rachel Arnett, an assistant professor of management at Wharton.

“Gwen was a dedicated scholar, but moreover, a tremendous person,” said Erika James, Dean of the Wharton School. “She brought passion and purpose to her research and extended that commitment into the classroom to impact students. Our community was enhanced by her presence, and she will be deeply missed.”

A wake was held on January 5. Dr. Gordon is survived by her mother, Jacqueline; brothers, Andrew, David, and Aaron; cousins; godchildren; and many close friends.