Shirley Malcom: Let Nurture Take Its Course

Let Nurture Take Its Course:
Diversifying the Talent Pool for Science and Engineering

This event was digitally recorded and is available for viewing on the Caltech Theater site.

As head of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources Programs of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Dr. Shirley Malcom oversees AAAS programs in education, activities for underrepresented groups, and public understanding of science and technology. Nationally recognized for her leadership on issues facing underrepresented minorities and women in the sciences and engineering, she has published numerous research articles and monographs on diversity challenges in scientific and engineering fields, including a joint AAAS and NSF report, In Pursuit of a Diverse Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Workforce: Recommended Research Priorities to Enhance Participation by Underrepresented Minorities [PDF].

Dr. Malcom received her bachelor's degree with distinction in zoology from the University of Washington, a master's degree in zoology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her doctorate in ecology from Pennsylvania State University. She served on the National Science Board, the policymaking body of the National Science Foundation, from 1994 to 1998, and from 1994 to 2001 she was a member of the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. Dr. Malcom is currently co-chair of the Gender Advisory Board of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development and has chaired numerous national committees addressing education reform and access to scientific and technical education, careers, and literacy.

Among her many honors, Dr. Malcom holds thirteen honorary degrees, sits on several boards - including the Howard Heinz Endowment, the H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the Environment, and the National Park System Advisory Board and is an honorary trustee of the American Museum of Natural History. Dr. Malcom is also a trustee of Caltech and serves as a Regent of Morgan State University. She is a fellow of the AAAS and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2003 Dr. Malcom received the Public Welfare Medal of the National Academy of Sciences, the highest award given by the Academy, in recognition of her achievements in increasing diversity.

This event is free and open to the public. No tickets or reservations are required. Free parking is available; please go to the parking structure at 370 South Holliston Avenue for a parking permit and directions to the auditorium.

Sponsored by the Office of the President, Office of Minority Student Education, Women's Center, and Officers of the Faculty

The Caltech Presidential Lecture Series on Achieving Diversity in Science, Math, and Engineering was established to bring to campus speakers who have had highly successful experiences in promoting women and underrepresented minorities in science and technology.