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Dr. Rita R. Colwell,
Ph.D., is a microbiologist and marine scientist. She is active
in national and international research and teaching. Much of her
research has focused on the effects of bacteria on the
Chesapeake Bay, in deep seas, and in recreational waters. She is
a professor of microbiology at the University of Maryland,
College Park. She is also a member of the National Science
Board, which is appointed by the President of the United States.
She has authored or edited 12 books and hundreds of papers and
articles.
In addition to these many accomplishments, Dr. Colwell has
devoted much of her time to raising public awareness to the
importance of scientific research in Maryland and its many
positive applications for the environment, economic
competitiveness, and medicine. Her vision and commitment were
critical to the creation of the Maryland Biotechnology
Institute, made up of five centers to encourage scientific
innovation and commercial applications around the State. Her
lectures to audiences world wide have garnered international
recognition for the Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the
sophistication of Maryland science. Most recently, Dr. Colwell
negotiated and established an agreement between the University
of Maryland and the University of Tokyo recognizing "the need
for mutual close cooperation in the fields of zoology, botany,
microbiology and molecular genetics to promote the development
of marine biotechnology, which is expected to serve human
welfare in the future."
As a result of Dr. Colwell's hard work and reputation as an
internationally acclaimed scientist, the Institute's Center of
Marine Biotechnology (COMB) competed successfully for a seven
million dollar U.S. Navy grant. Dr. Colwell's attention and
effort is now focused on making a permanent home for COMB in
the Christopher Columbus Center of Marine Research and
Exploration, a educational center proposed for Baltimore's
Inner Harbor.
Dr. Colwell has demonstrated tremendous enthusiasm in
communicating to International lay and professional audiences
the importance of marine science research in Maryland.
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