Please join us for a special lecture and Q&A session with eminent environmental microbiologist Dr. Rita Colwell, former NSF Director and current Distinguished Professor at the University of Maryland, College Park and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Friday, July 3
8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Engineering Science Hall (bldg. 9)
Lecture Hall 1, Room 2322
Refreshments will be served
Colwell is an internationally acclaimed environmental microbiologist and scientific administrator. She has done paradigm-shifting research on global infectious diseases. She is currently developing an international network to address emerging infectious diseases and water issues, including safe drinking water for both the developed and developing world.
From 1998 to 2004, Colwell was the 11th Director of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF), where she spearheaded the agency’s emphasis on K-12 science and mathematics education, graduate science and engineering education, and the increased participation of women and minorities in science and engineering. While at NSF, she also served as co-chair of the Committee on Science of the National Science and Technology Council.
Colwell has held many advisory positions in the U.S. government, nonprofit science policy organizations, and private foundations, as well as in the international scientific research community. She has authored or co-authored 17 books and more than 750 scientific publications. She produced the award-winning film, “Invisible Seas,” and has served on editorial boards of numerous scientific journals.
About the SRSI
The Saudi Research Science Institute (SRSI) is an intensive summer research immersion program, designed for high-achieving eleventh graders from throughout the Kingdom. SRSI offers these top students the opportunity to conduct university-level research under world-class KAUST faculty mentors. This year’s program is underway with 39 accomplished young participants.
SRSI’s Distinguished Speaker Series brings leading global figures to KAUST to inspire young scholars by exposing them to cutting-edge research in science, technology, business leadership, and global issues.