BY LILIA POTTER-SCHWARTZ
November 23 marked the 90th birthday celebration of leading environmental microbiologist, Dr. Rita Colwell. As we honor Dr. Colwell’s groundbreaking career, we are inspired by and in awe of her public health contributions. Dr. Colwell’s career has spanned scientific leadership, discovery, and advocacy. Throughout her career, Dr. Colwell has connected these three scientific pillars in many endeavors, notably through using her leadership positions to advocate on behalf of other scientists. Beyond her leadership and advocacy, as director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Dr. Colwell made extensive contributions to cholera epidemiology as a pioneering researcher in the use of satellite imaging for disease outbreak monitoring [1].
Dr. Colwell’s interest in science began at a young age while exploring the nature and tide pools surrounding her hometown in Beverly, Massachusetts [1]. As she began to pursue her passion for science, Dr. Colwell quickly faced gender discrimination. In high school, Dr. Colwell was cautioned that “science wasn’t for women,” and while applying for fellowships for her graduate studies, Dr. Colwell was informed, “we don’t waste fellowships on women” [1,2]. Throughout her education and career, Dr. Colwell persevered and succeeded despite these sexist comments, limitations, and challenges, many of which are described in her memoir, A Lab of One’s Own: One Woman’s Personal Journey Through Sexism in Science [2]. Dr. Colwell’s unwavering advocacy for STEM education equity was rooted in personal experience [2].
In her role as NSF director, Dr. Colwell aimed to develop avenues for minorities pursuing scientific research. She oversaw increased funding devoted to advancing women in academic science careers [3]. As founder of the NSF ADVANCE program, Dr. Colwell led the initiative specifically aimed at supporting women returning to science following childbirth or caregiving [1,2]. Since its inauguration, the program has supported thousands of women faculty members at universities across the country [1,2]. Dr. Colwell has also spoken extensively on her personal experiences while using her leadership roles to make the scientific community more inclusive for women and minorities. Her advocacy efforts also extend to collaborations with the EcoHealth Alliance, which aims to protect environments and their inhabitants from emerging infectious diseases [4]. By supporting the global nonprofit, Dr. Colwell continues to identify the most at-risk regions for infectious diseases to inform preventative measures [5].
Dr. Colwell’s advocacy with EcoHealth Alliance is closely related to her own microbiological research, which uses satellite sensing and computational modeling for pandemic preparedness. Her use of satellite imaging first began when she examined the relationship between cholera cases, chlorophyll, and sea temperature in Bangladesh in the 1980s [6]. By providing risk maps for locations around the world, Dr. Colwell and her researchers continue to aid UN agencies to prevent and alleviate humanitarian crises [1]. Her research clearly illustrates the close connections between environmental, microbiological, and public health research that continue to become interwoven amidst our changing climate. As a pioneer in the study of climate change and infectious disease, Dr. Cowell’s research, particularly her surveillance methods of climatic factors, will continue to become increasingly vital as the climate crisis remains an existential threat. Dr. Colwell’s career is an inspiration for the next generation of scientists. As climate change further increases disease spread and challenges disease mitigation efforts, the work of Dr. Colwell remains at the forefront of science and policy. In a recent interview, Dr. Colwell described the immense benefit of collaboration, particularly when she was working across federal agencies [7]. Dr. Colwell’s consistent motif of collaboration is a critical reminder to always ground our scientific endeavors in collaboration. It is likely this collaboration that catalyzed her ability to interweave her scientific discovery, leadership, and advocacy.
Lilia Potter-Schwartz is a junior in Pauli Murray College.
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References
- Van Emmenis L. Rita Colwell: Use your voice to bring about positive change. J Exp Med [Internet]. 2024 Feb 23 [cited 2024 Nov 2]; Available from: https://rupress.org/jem/article/221/3/e20240259/276577/Rita-Colwell-Use-your-voice-to-bring-about
- Colwell R, McGrayne SB. A lab of one’s own. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster; 2021. 288 p.
- Organization List. Biography [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.nsf.gov/about/history/bios/rrcolwell.jsp
- EcoHealth Alliance [Internet]. 2015 [cited 2024 Nov 2]. Scientific research and pandemic prevention. Available from: https://www.ecohealthalliance.org
- EcoHealth Alliance [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2024 Nov 2]. Dr. Rita Colwell. Available from: https://www.ecohealthalliance.org/personnel/dr-rita-colwell
- SIWI – Leading expert in water governance [Internet]. SIWI; 2019 [cited 2024 Nov 2]. Rita Colwell: “Expect unpleasant surprises.” Available from: https://siwi.org/latest/rita-colwell-expect-unpleasant-surprises/
- ResearchAmerica. Alliance discussion with Dr. Rita Colwell, university of Maryland [Internet]. Youtube; [cited 2024 Nov 2]. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAFe3yikITc
Yale Global Health Review 