Pool of expertise

Here are some members of Obama's Harvard brain trust:

Cass Sunstein, 54, constitutional law professor at Harvard who first met Obama when they taught together at the University of Chicago and is widely floated as a possible Supreme Court nominee.

Graham Allison, 68, a former Pentagon official and co-founder of the Harvard Kennedy School, who Obama enlisted after reading his book on nuclear terrorism.

David M. Cutler, 42, a Harvard economics instructor and former Clinton administration official, was tapped by Obama to craft his healthcare proposals.

Jeffrey Liebman, 40, a professor of public policy at the Kennedy School who worked for the White House National Economic Council from 1998-1999, is a key Obama adviser on Social Security issues.

Einer Elhauge, 47, director of Harvard's Center for Health Law, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, could be tapped for a senior antitrust position, according to news reports.

Martha Minow, 53, a legal expert on human rights, taught Obama at Harvard Law School.

Lawrence Summers, 53, former Harvard president who teaches at the Kennedy School, is considered a top pick to return to Washington as treasury secretary.

BRYAN BENDER