On Wednesday, May 8 the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation will host an intimate evening of conversation and discovery with Geri Richmond at Portland State University where audiences will have a unique opportunity to pull back the curtain on her world-changing scientific accomplishments.
Dr. Richmond is the Presidential Chair in Science and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oregon, an advocate for women in STEM, and a 2013 National Medal of Science Laureate.
A world renown chemist and a champion for women in STEM, Dr. Richmond is most famous for her landmark discoveries about the molecular characteristics of water’s surface. Her breakthroughs have given researchers across the world a better understanding of how water behaves with its surroundings on a chemical level. This understanding has implications for oil spill clean-ups, environmental remediation, energy production, and so much more.
Her work outside the lab is equally impressive. She is the founder and director of COACh, a grassroots organization that has helped over 20,000 women scientists and engineers in career advancement in the U.S. and countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Dr. Susan Jeffords, Provost of Portland State University, will moderate the conversation, which will cover Dr. Richmond’s colorful career, her work to support women in science and engineering fields, among other topics. The audience will have the opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Richmond following the interview. The program will conclude with a short reception for all.