Contact Information
About
Title
Professor and Ohio Research Scholar Endowed Chair
Company
School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron
Prior Board Service
Yes
Overview
Originally from India, have wide-ranging professional and personal experiences in balancing highest caliber of professional success, while balancing it with the multifaceted challenges of the immigrant experience, racism, being a female professor in STEM fields while maintaining integrity and rising above the fray.I am actively involved in outreach and volunteering activities especially for women in STEM fields, under-represented groups, and immigrant women and kids. I am also passionate about communicating the excitement of cutting-edge research in STEM fields and the challenges involved as an "intersectional" scientist. I have been interviewed many times on NPR, and have featured in an award-winning documentary film directed by the famous Werner Herzog. I would like to serve on the ENLI board because I am eager to expand my knowledge about the specific challenges and opportunities that women face in improving their professional nd personal lives in the greater Akron area. This city has the heart and the ability to flourish and lead again, like it once did, with imagination and inclusivity-focussed idea and initiatives. I humbly believe that my experiences could contribute in these efforts, while I would myself grow and learn from such service.
Biography
Internationally-recognized Professor of Astrobiology-Origins of Life, Environmental Chemistry and Biomaterials without 34+ years research and teaching experience at Top Universities in USA. My PhD is from Johns Hopkins University, post-doctoral work at ASU and University of Maryland, served from assistant to full professor at University of Wisconsin or 11 years, then was recruited with an OH-state Endowed Chair position to University of Akron 12 years ago. My research has been continuously externally-funded during my entire academic career by federal agencies (NSF, NASA), private foundations (ACS-PRF, Simons Foundation) and private donors. I have served as an expert on the National Academy of Science Committee for Astrobiology and Planetary Science that advises NASA, and on many proposal review panels for federal and international research- funding agencies, serve as Associate Editor of top-notch peer-reviewed scientific journals, and am a Fellow of national and international scientific societies. I have supervised about 40 PH, MS and post-doctoral scientists in my research laboratory. I am active in public outreach and service.