Rita Colwell, PhD, was the first woman to serve as director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). Appointed in 1998, she was the first director in more than 25 years with training as a biologist. Colwell has degrees in bacteriology, genetics, and oceanography, and is an internationally recognized expert on cholera and other infectious diseases. During her tenure as director, Colwell oversaw the creation of NSF’s ADVANCE program, which was established to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic engineering and science careers. Among her many awards, she is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and received the National Medal of Science in 2006 for her work in studying oceans, climate and human health.
Learn more at the NSF.