Although he said that the press has contributed to increasing public awareness of the seriousness of AIDS, Ho said that being in the public eye has changed his life and has made his work more difficult at times.

"I find the media spotlight is hot enough to bake," Ho said in the interview.

Ho conveyed his message of hope to students in the audience.

"It was really impressive that he was so down-to-earth about the whole issue," said Amy Chen '01. "That in the face of all the obstacles he still has so much optimism and can convey that to an audience."

Ho said his faith in science is tempered by the bitter realities of the AIDS epidemic.

Ho estimated the daily spread of new HIV infections at 8,500. He said by the year 2000 scientists expect 50 million people to be infected with the virus.

"AIDS is not over," Ho said. "World-wide, most infected persons cannot access the promising new therapies, and much remains to be done in controlling the spread of this epidemic."

Ho called out to governments and individuals to provide citizens all over the world with access to treatment.

"Always maintain, unwaveringly, a deep commitment to excellence," Ho added.

Ho, who is Chinese-American, said his Asian heritage has positively contributed to his success over the years. Ho spoke directly to the many students of Asian descent in the audience.

The Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association (AAA) co-sponsored the event with the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations and Eliot House.

Ho attributed his success in science to his cultural background.

"Were it not for the profound Asian respect for intellectual and scholarly endeavors, a scientist I might not be today," Ho said.

He encouraged students never to abandon their heritage.

"By adopting the best of both cultures, Asian-Americans should begin to forge forward to assume leadership positions," Ho said.

Many Asian-American students said they saw him as a beacon of hope and inspiration for them.

"When we look at Ho we see an inspiration for children of immigrants," said Grace Y. Shieh '99, the co-president of AAA. "His place as an Asian-American role model is very important in our society."

--Long Cai and Annie Lee contributed to the reporting of this article.