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Sethuraman Panchanathan, the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the highest-ranking Indian American scientific official in the Biden administration is scheduled to deliver three commencement addresses this summer at various Universities.
Northeastern University, Graduate Commencement: On May 5 in Boston, Director Panchanathan will address the graduating class at Northeastern University. He will also receive an honorary doctorate during this ceremony.
University of Maryland Baltimore County, Undergraduate Commencement: This commencement, which includes graduates from the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, College of Engineering and Information Technology, and Division of Undergraduate Academic Affairs, will take place on May 23 in Baltimore.
University of Ottawa, Faculty of Engineering Convocation: Director Panchanathan will deliver a commencement speech at the University of Ottawa’s convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Engineering on June 8.
Joseph E. Aoun, the president of Northeastern University, emphasized the importance of science in addressing global challenges and praised Director Panchanathan’s leadership in recognizing groundbreaking opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence. Northeastern University eagerly welcomes him back for this year’s graduation celebration.
Panchanathan, a computer scientist and engineer, assumed the role of NSF Director in June 2020. The NSF, with a budget of approximately USD 9.5 billion, plays a crucial role in advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and STEM education in the United States. Notably, he previously spoke at the grand opening of Northeastern’s 357,000-square-foot EXP research complex on the university’s Boston campus last fall.
