Colwell, Rita R. (1934–)
Colwell, Rita R. (1934–)
American microbiologist. Name variations: Dr. Rita Rossi Colwell. Born Rita Barbara Rossi, Nov 23, 1934, in Beverly, Massachusetts; Purdue University, BS in bacteriology, 1956, MA, 1958, honorary DSc, 1993; dau. of Louis and Louise (DiPalma) Rossi; m. Jack Colwell; children: 2.
Renowned marine biotechnology pioneer known for work using computers to identify bacteria; earned doctoral degree in genetics at University of Washington (1961) and rose from research assistant to associate professor (1959–64); was assistant professor of biology at Georgetown University (1961–64), then associate professor (1966–72); became microbiology professor at University of Maryland (1972) and later served as vice president for Academic Affairs for University of Maryland system (1983–87); served as director of Center for Marine Biotechnology in Maryland (1987–91); elected 11th director of National Science Foundation (1998); served as vice president of International Union of Microbiological Sciences (1986–90), as president of American Society for Microbiology (1984–85), and as chair of board of governors of American Academy of Microbiologists; holds 2 marine biotechnology patents. Received American Association of Microbiologists' Fisher Award (1985), International Biotechnology Institute's Gold Medal (1990), and Czechoslovakian Academy of Sciences' Purkinje Gold Medal Achievement Award (1991), among others.