Rita Colwell, former director of NSF, to deliver the Graduate School Commencement Address | News | Notre Dame News | University of Notre Dame Skip To Content Skip To Navigation Skip To Search University of Notre Dame Notre Dame News Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Home Contact Search Menu Home › News › Rita Colwell, former director of NSF, to deliver the Graduate School Commencement Address Rita Colwell, former director of NSF, to deliver the Graduate School Commencement Address Published: May 02, 2016 Author: Evan Bryson Rita Colwell (photo courtesy of Rita Colwell) Rita Colwell, a molecular microbiologist whose research focuses on global infectious diseases, water and health, will deliver the commencement address on May 14 (Saturday) at the commencement ceremony for the University of Notre Dame Graduate School. The Graduate School ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the Compton Family Ice Arena and will honor the University’s new doctoral and master’s degree recipients. Colwell is currently a Distinguished University Professor at both the University of Maryland and at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her study of the cholera bacteria, and subsequent findings, has aided researchers in predicting cholera epidemics worldwide as well as preventing it in developed and developing countries. Colwell has spent her career advancing educational opportunities in science, engineering and mathematics for students of all ages, emphasizing increased participation for women and minorities. In 1998, she was named the first woman to direct the National Science Foundation (NSF). In addition to promoting the necessity of strong education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), Colwell was instrumental in defining the “broader impact” merits of NSF grant-winning research. She famously called on presidents of universities and colleges and heads of other NSF grantee organizations to account for a “proposal’s technical merit, creativity, educational impact and its potential benefits to society.” After completing her term as director of NSF, Colwell joined Canon Inc. to help establish Canon U.S. Life Sciences, serving as chairman and chief scientist. In 2008, she founded CosmosID Inc., where she continues to serve as chair. Colwell is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions. In 2005, the Emperor of Japan bestowed on her the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star; in 2006, she received the National Medal of Science awarded by the president of the United States; and, in 2010, she was awarded the Stockholm Water Prize by the King of Sweden. This year, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Council for Science and the Environment. She has been awarded 61 honorary degrees. Colwell has authored 17 books and more than 800 scientific publications. She produced the award-winning film “Invisible Seas” and has served on editorial boards of numerous scientific journals. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts, she holds a Ph.D. in oceanography from the University of Washington and a master’s degree in genetics and a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from Purdue University. Posted In: Commencement Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Home Experts ND in the News Subscribe About Us Related May 05, 2022 Devin Diggs named valedictorian; Morgan La Sala selected salutatorian March 27, 2022 Environmental activist Sharon Lavigne to receive Notre Dame’s 2022 Laetare Medal May 13, 2021 Madeline Owen named valedictorian; Alexis Waldschmidt selected salutatorian March 14, 2021 Carla Harris, business leader and gospel singer, to receive Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal May 15, 2016 The commencement of the Class of 2016 For the Media Contact Office of Public Affairs and Communications Notre Dame News 500 Grace Hall Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Pinterest © 2022 University of Notre Dame Search Mobile App News Events Visit Accessibility Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn