Born: 1947 (Paris, France)
Biography:
France Anne-Dominic Córdova is an American astrophysicist and administrator who has made significant contributions to the field of science. Born on August 5, 1947, in Paris, France, Córdova is the eldest of twelve children. Her mother is Irish-American, while her father, a Mexican-American, was a West Point graduate and businessman.
Córdova’s educational journey started at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, California. After completing her high school education, she attended Stanford University, where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in English. During her time at Stanford, Córdova also conducted anthropological fieldwork in a Zapotec Indian pueblo in Oaxaca, Mexico. Her experiences there would spark her interest in pursuing a career in science.
Driven by her passion for understanding the universe, Córdova went on to earn a Ph.D. in Physics from the California Institute of Technology in 1979. Her research focused on observational and experimental astrophysics, particularly multi-spectral research on x-ray and gamma-ray sources, and space-borne instrumentation.
From 1979 to 1989, Córdova worked at the Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Group at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where she also served as Deputy Group Leader. Her work there further fueled her interest in space science. Following her time at Los Alamos, Córdova became the head of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University from 1989 to 1993.
In 1993, Córdova took on the role of Chief Scientist at NASA, where she played a crucial role in advancing scientific research and exploration. Her work at NASA allowed her to delve deeper into the world of astrophysics and make valuable contributions to the field.
Later, Córdova joined the University of California, Santa Barbara as Vice-Chancellor for Research and a Professor of Physics. During her time there, she played an instrumental role in promoting research and enhancing the university’s scientific endeavors. In 2002, she became Chancellor of the University of California, Riverside, where she also held the position of Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Córdova’s leadership at UC Riverside marked the initial steps toward establishing the UC Riverside School of Medicine.
Recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to academia, Córdova was appointed as the eleventh president of Purdue University in 2007. Under her administration, Córdova emphasized student success and the commercialization of interdisciplinary research. She facilitated the establishment of Purdue’s College of Health and Human Sciences and its Global Policy Research Institute. During her tenure, Purdue achieved record levels of research funding, reputational rankings, and student retention rates.
Córdova’s remarkable achievements extend beyond academia. In 2009, she was appointed to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution by President Barack Obama. Her contributions to the institution were so significant that she served as the board’s chair from 2012 to 2014.
In 2014, Córdova was nominated by Obama and confirmed by the United States Senate as the 14th director of the National Science Foundation (NSF). During her tenure at NSF, she continued to advocate for scientific research and innovation, promoting the advancement of knowledge and understanding in various scientific disciplines.
Even after her retirement from NSF, Córdova’s influence in the scientific community persists. She currently serves as the President of the Science Philanthropy Alliance, an organization dedicated to increasing philanthropic support for basic scientific research.
France A. Córdova’s lifelong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and her numerous accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the world of astrophysics and scientific research. Her dedication and contributions continue to inspire future generations of scientists.