The National Science Foundation is the government's primary agency for research and education in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. Colwell is focusing the agency's efforts on
biocomplexity, information technology and education.
Immediately prior to becoming NSF Director in August 1998, Colwell was President of the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and Professor of Microbiology at the University of Maryland, positions she had held since 1991 and 1972, respectively.
A member of the National Science Board from 1984 to 1990, Colwell has held numerous advisory positions in the U.S. Government, private foundations and elsewhere. She is a nationally respected scientist and educator and has authored or co-authored 16 books and more than 500 scientific publications.
Colwell has received numerous awards, including the Medal of Distinction from Columbia University and the Andrew White Medal from Loyola College. She has also been awarded nine honorary degrees from institutions of higher education and has held several honorary professorships, including the University of
Queensland, Australia.
Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, Colwell holds a B.S. in Bacteriology and an M.S. in Genetics, from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in Marine Microbiology from the University of Washington.
RSVP to Sara Burke Lee, UCSD Office of Science and Technology Policy and Projects, (858) 534-8400,
sburke@ucsd.edu
