Rita R. Colwell

American microbiologist

Rita Rossi Colwell (born November 23, 1934) is an American environmental microbiologist and scientific administrator. Colwell holds degrees in bacteriology, genetics, and oceanography and studies infectious diseases. Colwell is the founder and Chair of CosmosID, a bioinformatics company.

Rita R. Colwell
11th Director of the National Science Foundation
In office
1998–2004
PresidentBill Clinton
George W. Bush
Preceded byNeal Francis Lane
Succeeded byArden L. Bement Jr.
Personal details
Born (1934-11-23) November 23, 1934 (age 89)
Beverly, Massachusetts, United States
NationalityAmerican
Alma materPurdue University
University of Washington
Scientific career
FieldsMicrobiology
InstitutionsNational Science Foundation
University of Maryland College Park
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Georgetown University
ThesisCommensal bacteria of marine animals; a study of their distribution, physiology and taxonomy (1961)
Doctoral advisorJohn Liston
Doctoral studentsJody Deming

From 1998 to 2004, she was the 11th Director of the National Science Foundation.[1]

References change

  1. "Rita Rossi Colwell , MSA SC 3520-11592". msa.maryland.gov. Retrieved 2016-09-23.