Dr Rita Colwell is a world-renowned environmental microbiologist and scientific administrator. She was the first woman to serve as director of the US National Science Foundation. A member of the US National Academy of Sciences, Dr Colwell received the National Medal of Science for her work in studying oceans' climate and human health.
In recognition of her work in the work in the world¡¯s polar regions, the geological site in Antarctica, Colwell Massif, has been named in her honour. She was awarded the Mahathir Science Award in 2015 for her work on the bacterium that causes cholera.
During US President Barack Obama¡¯s tenure, she was one of three science special envoys appointed by the Secretary of State to promote science diplomacy among developing nations. She was instrumental in spreading community-based water safety education and introducing viable, low-cost technological innovations in communities throughout Asia-Pacific and Africa.
