American environmental microbiologist and scientific administrator, known for her research on global infectious diseases, water, and health, and for her pioneering work as the first female director of the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Widely recognized as the pioneer of Green Microbiology, she integrates science and sustainability to champion eco-innovative microbial solutions—advancing health, transforming industries, and driving global environmental progress.
A pioneering industrial microbiologist who bridges food science and sustainability. Renowned for work in food safety, she develops innovative solutions for sustainable food systems, industrial practices, and microbial research.











