The keynote address at Convocation will be delivered by Dr. Shirley M. Malcom, head of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources Programs of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

The Directorate’s goal is to advance education in science, mathematics and technology at all levels, improve public understanding of science and expand the workforce’s talent pool. Dr. Malcolm has served as head of the Directorate since its establishment.

Dr. Malcolm received her doctorate in ecology from Pennsylvania State University; a master’s degree in zoology from the University of California; and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington. She has received eight honorary degrees as well.

A long-time advocate of driving science/ math/technology policy for all people, Dr. Malcolm has channeled her energies particularly into correcting the disparities that women and minorities face in technical fields.

She serves on many advisory committees and boards, including Morgan State University, Adelphi University, the American Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Howard Heinz Endowment and the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment. In 2006 she was named co-chair of the National Science Board Commission on 21st Century Education. Dr. Malcom has also served on the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology and on the National Science Board, the policymaking body of the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Malcolm was elected a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She received the Reginald H. Jones Distinguished Service Award for her leadership in fostering the growth of opportunities for minority students in technology, as well as the Public Welfare Medal of the National Academy of Sciences, the highest award given by the Academy.